Allergic Reaction Caused by Wheat and Its Treatment

Kids and adults love to eat ice creams, burgers, pizzas, etc., at all times, where wheat is the primary ingredient used in many foods, and anybody can be allergic to it. Wheat allergy is a common food allergy affecting people of all ages. Wheat allergy is an allergic reaction that one might have without even their knowledge.

The symptoms of this allergy can be either minimal or life-threatening. Still, it should never be ignored, and proper treatment plans should be implemented under the supervision of a doctor. Read on to learn about the causes, symptoms, and ways to manage wheat allergies.

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What Is a Wheat Allergy?
Types & Causes
Symptoms of Wheat Allergies
Diagnosis of Wheat Allergy
Treatment for Wheat Allergy
How to Prevent?
Things to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wheat Allergy?

The allergic reaction to wheat foods as an ingredient is what causes a wheat allergy. In some cases, if someone even inhales wheat flour, the symptoms can occur. It is one of the most common allergies found in kids but rare in the case of adults.

A person with mild allergies will have headaches, an itchy, and congested nose. In some cases, these allergies may lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.

Types of Wheat Allergies

Wheat allergies are not straightforward primarily because they comprise various types and steps of allergic reactions. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Type of Wheat Allergy	Description
IgE-Mediated Wheat Allergy	Most people suffer from this type of allergy, which is characterized by a quick allergic response. The person produces IgE antibodies in preparations for gluten intake and other proteins found in wheat.
Non-IgE-Mediated Wheat Allergy	The mechanisms of such a type of allergy do not involve the silicon IgE. Rather, it is more than the subset of T cell types. Affected children often develop vomiting, diarrhoea, or gustatory pain.
Mixed IgE- and Non-IgE-Mediated Wheat Allergy	Some individuals can have IgE and non-IGE reactions. This can make diagnosis and management more challenging as it involves symptoms of both types.
Wheat-dependent Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis (WDEIA)	This type is uncommon, and symptoms occur following intake in the presence of exercise. This wheat allergy, along with exercise, can cause very serious anaphylactic reactions.

What are the Causes of Wheat Allergies?

As earlier stated, an allergic reaction to wheat normally results from ingesting food containing wheat products; hence, it is necessary to find the respective foods to avoid. Foods with wheat protein that can cause allergic reactions are listed below.

Item	Description
Bread	Bread contains flour made predominantly from wheat and comes in several varieties.
Breakfast Cereals	Typically, wheat is in line for culinary and snack purposes, focusing on flakes, puffs, and shredded cereals.
Bread Crumbs	It is used in cooking and baking as a coating or topping to enhance the texture and is made of refined wheat bread.
Cakes, Cookies, And Muffins	Confectioneries that are glazed with a combination of wheat starch, sugar, and other soluble agents with similar characteristics.
Pasta	These ingredients come from a combination of water and wheat flour, particularly for pasta shapes like spaghetti and penne.
Farina	This is called coarse wheat cereal, and it is commonly used for hot cereals and baking. It creates a finer texture and mild flavour.
Spelt	This is one of the oldest types of cereal, similar to wheat used in baking and cooking, nutty in taste, and as a substitute for wheat flour.
Semolina	It is a second-class wheat flour that is coarse and used particularly in making pastes and desserts; it contains high amounts of gluten.
Couscous	These come in small steamed granules and are a Middle Eastern cuisine served primarily as a side dish or as a bed for toppings.
Crackers	These crunchy bites, mostly made from wheat flour, are often eaten plain or with toppings.
Soy Sauce	It is a fermented product that may contain wheat, making it salty and complimenting most foods with an umami taste.
Dairy Products Like Ice Cream	Some contain wheat in their formulation; wheat-based ingredients or additives affect the texture and taste.
Hot Dogs	For barbecue or outdoor parties, processed meat may contain wheat flour somewhere in the fillers and binders portion of the meat.
Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein	These are substances used to improve the taste of treated foods, and some of the sources may be wheat or soy.
Gelatinised Starch	Applying starch or flour, usually wheat, on soups or stews to achieve consistency or viscosity even when crisp and creamy inside.
Natural Flavourings	May include wheat-derived ingredients to enhance the taste of packaged foods and beverages.
Vegetable Gum	Products employ edible gums as thickeners or stabilisers; some types of these are manufactured from wheat to enhance uniformity.
Modified Food Starch	Modified wheat starch is used as a texturiser to modify the texture of sauces, other foods, and broth.
Bakers Who Work With Wheat All Day Long	Of the different types of flour, baker flour is expected to cause allergic tendencies. Prolonged exposure to it can cause issues.

What are the Symptoms of Wheat Allergies?

Individuals allergic to wheat have a variety of symptoms that can reflect within a few minutes or hours. This includes:

Symptom	Description
Itching, Swelling, or Irritation of The Throat or Mouth	It can occur soon after or even while eating wheat, and it causes uneasiness and restlessness in the mouth and skin.
Itchy Rash, Hives, or Swelling of The Skin	Due to exposure to wheat, the skin may also exhibit other reactions, such as rashes, hives, and swelling.
Headache	A headache may be experienced because of the generalized body reaction to wheat.
Nasal Congestion	The allergy can present as a runny nose or a blocked nose, as it advances into sneezing and coughing, amongst other things.
Nausea, Cramps, or Vomiting	Nausea, cramping of the abdomen, and vomiting are some of the possible gastrointestinal complaints.
Difficulty Breathing	Some reactions are more severe and may involve difficulty in breathing, wheezing, or breathlessness.
Diarrhoea	Wheat allergies can occur with acute stomach aches, manifesting with extreme pain and diarrhoea that can last a while.
Anaphylaxis	It is a dangerous symptom that can cause chest pain, swollen throat, blue skin, trouble swallowing, and even fainting in adults and children.

How to Diagnose Wheat Allergies?

The healthcare provider will first obtain relevant information about the patient’s condition and perform a physical examination to determine the main signs and symptoms of the ailment. If necessary, allergy tests, such as skin pricks or blood tests, to search for IgE antibodies to certain wheat proteins may be performed.

You may be put on an elimination diet in which you refrain from consuming wheat products to determine whether or not this helps with the symptoms. Then, the accused substance may be introduced again to see if the same symptoms reoccur.

Sometimes, qualified medical personnel confirm a diagnosis by an oral food challenge. The same applies where other physical conditions that may present a picture of similar symptoms are also ruled out.

What is the Treatment for Wheat Allergy?

The best way to treat it is to avoid wheat protein-rich foods. This can be difficult as almost all food items contain wheat protein. A food diary can help you keep track of the foods you should avoid.

Doctors prescribe some drugs to treat wheat allergy includes:

Antihistamines: A drug that can reduce wheat's minor allergic signs and symptoms.
Epinephrine: This drug is used as an emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.
Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and manage severe or persistent allergic reactions.
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: Block substances that contribute to allergic reactions, which are helpful for related symptoms like asthma.
Immunotherapy: Includes allergy shots or sublingual tablets to gradually desensitize the immune system (used in some cases).

How Can You Prevent Wheat Allergy?

Avoid foods that contain wheat protein, like bread and cereal extracts. Moreover, there are several ways on how to get rid of wheat allergies, that includes:

Keep yourself and others around you informed about your allergy to wheat.
Always read the labels of each food product you buy.
Try to get your hands on gluten-free foods when you shop.
Refer to cookbooks to get fresh ideas on recipes excluding wheat.
Stay alert for wheat-based food when you dine out.
If you suffer from anaphylaxis, carry epinephrine doses when you venture out.

Things to Avoid if You Have Wheat Allergy

A person should avoid food items like:

Baked products
Breakfast cereals
Beverages with wheat protein content
Gelatinised starch and modified food starch
Someone may also feel the effects if they exercise within a few hours of wheat protein consumption.
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
Certain dairy products may contain wheat-based additives.
Hot dogs and processed meats can include wheat-based fillers or binders.
Soy sauce often contains wheat, affecting flavour and texture.

Wheat allergy should never be confused with celiac disease, which is a gluten allergy. Wheat not only contains gluten but several other proteins that can cause allergies. This allergy in kids vanishes within 12 years of their age. But if it remains, a physician must be consulted to prevent further complications that can be a threat to your life.

FAQs about Wheat Allergy

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Is a wheat allergy the same as a gluten allergy?

Gluten is a specific protein found in wheat and grains. A person can suffer from a gluten allergy but will not be affected by gluten-free wheat food items. But a person allergic to wheat might not be gluten allergic.

What foods are high in wheat?

Bread, chapatis, breakfast cereals, biscuits, and cookies are some of the foods that are rich in wheat protein.

Can wheat allergies cause celiac disease?

No, wheat allergies and celiac disease are different conditions. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, while wheat allergy is an immune response to proteins in wheat.

Can you develop a wheat allergy later in life?

Yes, wheat allergies can develop at any age, though they are more commonly diagnosed in children. Some individuals may develop it as adults.

How is a wheat allergy diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, allergy testing (such as skin prick or blood tests), and sometimes an elimination diet.

What are the symptoms of a wheat allergy?

Symptoms can include hives, itching, swelling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Can wheat allergies be outgrown?

Some children may outgrow wheat allergies as they age, but it is less common in adults. Regular follow-ups with an allergist can determine if the allergy persists.

Are there medications to treat wheat allergies?

Yes, treatments include antihistamines for mild symptoms and epinephrine for severe reactions. Corticosteroids and other medications may also be prescribed.

Is there a cure for wheat allergies?

Currently, there is no cure for wheat allergies. Management involves strict avoidance of wheat-containing foods and products.

Can you have a wheat allergy without gluten sensitivity?

Yes, it is possible to be allergic to wheat proteins without having gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Wheat allergy is a different condition from gluten sensitivity.

Are there wheat-free alternatives for baking?

Yes, various wheat-free alternatives, such as almond flour, rice flour, and gluten-free blends, can be used for baking.

Can cross-contamination with wheat cause allergic reactions?

Yes, even small amounts of wheat or cross-contamination can trigger allergic reactions, so it is important to ensure foods are prepared in a wheat-free environment.

Are oats safe for someone with a wheat allergy?

Pure oats are generally safe for people with wheat allergies, but they can be contaminated with wheat during processing. It is important to choose certified gluten-free oats.

Can pets be affected by wheat allergies?

Pets, particularly dogs, can also have wheat allergies, manifesting as skin issues or gastrointestinal problems. Consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Allergic Reaction Caused by Wheat and Its Treatment

Table of Contents

What is a Wheat Allergy?

Types of Wheat Allergies

What are the Causes of Wheat Allergies?

What are the Symptoms of Wheat Allergies?

How to Diagnose Wheat Allergies?

What is the Treatment for Wheat Allergy?

How Can You Prevent Wheat Allergy?

Things to Avoid if You Have Wheat Allergy

FAQs about Wheat Allergy

Is a wheat allergy the same as a gluten allergy?

What foods are high in wheat?

Can wheat allergies cause celiac disease?

Can you develop a wheat allergy later in life?

How is a wheat allergy diagnosed?

What are the symptoms of a wheat allergy?

Can wheat allergies be outgrown?

Are there medications to treat wheat allergies?

Is there a cure for wheat allergies?

Can you have a wheat allergy without gluten sensitivity?

Are there wheat-free alternatives for baking?

Can cross-contamination with wheat cause allergic reactions?

Are oats safe for someone with a wheat allergy?

Can pets be affected by wheat allergies?

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