Recognizing the Symptoms of Wheat Allergies

One of the eight most common of all known food allergies; wheat allergies affect up to six percent of children under the age of three years old. Asthma, eczema and in rare cases anaphylaxis have all been associated with an allergy to wheat. Those with a wheat allergy are likely to react to barley as well but can eat other grains. The diet of someone with an allergy to wheat is extremely strict and foods containing wheat in any form are forbidden.

Wheat allergies sometimes get confused with celiac disease which is caused by gluten (protein found in wheat) sensitivity. The body has an overreaction to one or more of the proteins combining to make wheat. These include globulin, gluten, gliadin and albumin. This causes the body to produce immunoglobulin E; an antibody that attaches to cells in the body and produces histamine and other chemicals. When these chemicals are released it causes itching, swelling, congestion and nausea as well.

A reaction may occur either by eating foods with wheat in them or by inhaling flour containing wheat in the case of an extreme allergy. Reactions normally occur within minutes or a few hours after exposure. The skin is where most reactions occur in the form of hives, eczema, and swelling. There are also signs of craps, nausea and vomiting when the gastrointestinal tract is affected. Asthma may also occur as the allergy affects the respiratory system of the person with the allergy.

Less severe but uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, bloating and constipation are also signs of a wheat allergy. Other things such as tiredness, skin rashes, cramps and acne can be aggravated with a wheat allergy.

A condition known as Baker's asthma occurs when contact with or the inhaling of wheat flour proteins occurs. The skin itches and a rash occurs, there are respiratory symptoms that include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

If someone exercises within three hours of wheat consumption they can have a negative reaction in some people. The reaction may also happen if wheat is eaten right after exercise. Asthma and anaphylaxis have occurred in some cases.

Things that most never think about such as arthritis, depression, mood swings and aching joints and muscles have also been associated with wheat allergies. There are some cases of unexplained tiredness thought to have a connection to an allergy to wheat.

Label laws are in place due to the allergy. Pasta, pizza, bread are just a few foods those with wheat allergies should avoid eating. You should see an allergist immediately if you think that you or your children might have a wheat allergy.

Sources:
http://foodallergies.about.com/od/wheatallergies/p/wheatallergy.htm
http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2001/december/gluten.htm
http://www.foodallergyinitiative.org/section_home.cfm?section_id=3⊂_section_id=5
http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2005/july/gluten.htm
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/allergies/allergy.html
http://www.mcgovernallergy.com/topics.aspx?p=561654468http://www.wheat-free.org/wheat-allergy.html