Wheat allergy is a common condition around the world, as about 1% of the population suffers from it to varying degrees. Its seriousness lies in the immune system’s interaction with wheat proteins, which leads to serious symptoms if not properly diagnosed and treated. In this article, we will highlight the most important symptoms of wheat allergy and methods of diagnosis and treatment, along with effective medical advice for carefully dealing with the condition.
What is wheat allergy?
Wheat allergy is an abnormal reaction of the immune system to one of the proteins found in wheat, such as albumin, globulin, gliadin, or gluten.
Symptoms of wheat allergy in adults
There is no doubt that the symptoms of wheat allergy in adults vary from one patient to another, and often appear after eating wheat or inhaling wheat flour. Here are the most common symptoms among adults:
- Skin rash or blisters.
- Feeling intense itching.
- Swelling of the lips, face, or throat.
- Stomach pain or cramps.
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting.
- Diarrhea or bloating.
- صعوبة في التنفس.
- Tightness in the chest.
- Cough with a wheezing sound in the chest (similar to asthma).
- Stuffy or runny nose.
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- تسارع ضربات القلب.
Read also: Skin allergy to food Is food your enemy?
Symptoms of wheat allergy in children
Mostly;
- Skin rash or eczema.
- Itchy skin.
- Swelling in the face or around the eyes or lips.
- Vomiting or feeling nauseous after eating.
- Colic or abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea, gas and bloating.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Frequent sneezing.
- Cough or wheezing sound in the chest.
- Difficulty breathing, especially with severe allergies.
- Intense crying for no apparent reason.
- Poor growth.
- Weight loss, especially if it is chronic.
- Anaphylactic shock appears quickly and includes shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
We also note that many children recover from allergies with age, but in some cases the allergy persists. If you feel that your child has an allergy to wheat, you can see a pediatrician or allergist at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
Serious symptoms of wheat allergy
Serious symptoms of wheat allergy usually appear quickly after eating or being exposed to wheat, and they require immediate medical intervention.
- Shortness or severe difficulty breathing;
- Swelling of the throat, face, or tongue, leading to difficulty swallowing or speaking.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Severe drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or loss of consciousness.
- Facial paleness or bluish skin.
- Sudden loss of consciousness or dizziness, which is a sign of the onset of anaphylactic shock.
If you notice any of these symptoms in someone;
Methods for diagnosing wheat allergy
Wheat allergy is diagnosed through a number of tests requested by a specialist doctor:
الفحص السريري
The doctor will ask you about the symptoms you felt and the timing of their occurrence after eating wheat. He will also review your family history of allergies or immune diseases.
Skin test
A small amount of wheat protein extract is placed on the skin, then the skin is gently pricked to observe swelling or redness. If a skin reaction appears, it indicates the presence of an allergy.
Blood analysis
The goal of the blood test is to measure the level of IgE antibodies specific to wheat proteins, as their elevation indicates the presence of a wheat allergy.
Delete and redo experience
The doctor asks the patient to avoid all wheat products for a period, usually 2 to 4 weeks, after which wheat is gradually introduced again under the doctor's supervision to monitor symptoms.
Oral challenge test
It is performed in a medical center and under strict supervision, and the patient is given very small amounts of wheat gradually while monitoring any allergic reaction, and it is used only when diagnosis is difficult or previous results differ.
Book your consultation now at Digestive Diseases Center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
How to treat wheat allergy
Treatment of wheat allergy is mainly divided into two parts:
Preventive treatment
- Abstain from all foods that contain wheat or its derivatives, such as white flour, semolina, or bulgur.
- Read food labels carefully, and pay attention to ingredients such as plant protein or gluten.
- Beware of prepared foods and restaurants that may use wheat flour in preparation.
- Replace wheat with safe alternatives such as gluten-free oats, rice, corn, quinoa, millet, or buckwheat.
العلاج الدوائي
- Antihistamines to relieve mild symptoms such as itching or rash.
- Adrenaline is used in severe cases such as anaphylactic shock, and the patient should always carry it with him if he is at risk of serious reactions.
Learn about: Allergy symptoms Your guide to recognizing early signs and common types
The most important tips for living with wheat allergy
Living with a wheat allergy requires great awareness in choosing foods and the details of daily life. These are the most important tips that will make it easier for you:
- As we mentioned, read the ingredients carefully and avoid flour and its derivatives.
- Keep a list of safe alternatives at all times for easy food selection.
- Try wheat-free recipes as part of your nutritional routine.
- Choose restaurants that serve wheat-free meals and have an allergy-specific menu.
- Have safe snacks with you when needed.
- Carry medications and an antihistamine with you for mild allergies on a regular basis.
- If your condition is severe, do not leave home without taking medication.
- Have separate utensils for preparing wheat-free food.
- Record everything you eat and any symptoms that appear and write them down to see your doctor.
- Follow up with a nutritionist to develop a balanced wheat-free diet.
- Learn how to deal with emergencies.
- You can wear a medical bracelet that indicates the presence of allergies, especially in severe cases.
In general, be sure to consult a specialist doctor to follow up on your health condition. At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we have a full medical team to follow you up and provide the necessary drug treatment and necessary health care for adults and children.
Frequently asked questions
What foods are prohibited for wheat allergy patients?
It is forbidden to eat wheat and its derivatives and products, such as: wheat flour, semolina, barley, couscous, bulgur, gluten, baked goods, pasta, biscuits, and crackers, and manufactured products that contain wheat ingredients are also prohibited.
What is the difference between wheat and gluten allergy?
Wheat allergy is an immune reaction to wheat proteins in general, not just gluten, while with regard to gluten, it is celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in the intestines when eating gluten, and causes symptoms in the digestive system only.
What should someone with a wheat allergy eat?
He eats natural foods such as vegetables, fruits, meat and legumes, and also uses wheat-free alternatives such as gluten-free oats, quinoa and millet.
Is rice allowed for wheat allergy patients?
Yes, absolutely. Since all types of rice do not contain wheat proteins, it is an excellent choice as a source of carbohydrates in the daily diet of those affected.
Wheat allergy patients can enjoy a healthy and safe life by adhering to medical guidelines and continuous follow-up with specialists at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, where we are keen to provide the integrated care and awareness necessary to help patients live with the condition comfortably.
المصادر:
Wheat and Gluten Allergy – allergies
Wheat Allergy – aaaai
