wheat allergy

A wheat allergy is an immune system reaction to one or more proteins in wheat, causing various symptoms such as hives, stomach cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis [1]. This allergic response can occur when consuming foods containing wheat or even inhaling tiny amounts of wheat flour [8].

The symptoms of a wheat allergy can vary from person to person but may include:

• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps
• Hives (allergic urticaria), itching, eczema
• Wheezing, nasal congestion, runny nose
• Itchy eyes, mouth or throat irritation
• Difficulty swallowing

It's essential to note that wheat allergy is often confused with celiac disease, but they are separate conditions with different symptoms and diagnostic methods [15]. Celiac disease causes an abnormal immune response to gluten, affecting the absorption of food.

Wheat allergy can be diagnosed through a skin prick test or blood tests for IgE antibodies to wheat protein. In some cases, a blood sample may also be tested for other antibodies related to celiac disease if it's a possibility [11].

It's worth mentioning that wheat is found in many foods, including some unexpected ones like soy sauce and processed meats, making it challenging to avoid completely [10].

Wheat Allergy Signs and Symptoms

A wheat allergy can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening. The severity of the reaction can vary depending on the individual and the amount of wheat consumed.

• Mild symptoms: Hives or skin rash, swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat, nasal congestion, headache, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.
• Severe symptoms: Difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic response), and in some cases, a severe drop in blood pressure.

Common Wheat Allergy Symptoms

Some common symptoms associated with wheat allergy include:

• Hives or skin rash
• Swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Indigestion

Important Note: If you experience any severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis, seek medical attention immediately.

References:

[1] A child or adult with wheat allergy is likely to develop signs and symptoms within minutes to hours after eating something containing wheat. Wheat allergy signs and symptoms include: Swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat; Hives, itchy rash or swelling of the skin; Nasal congestion; Headache; Difficulty breathing; Cramps, nausea ... [1]

[4] A wheat allergy certainly complicates your life and adds a layer of stress and worry—especially if your child has a wheat allergy. However, once you have a proper diagnosis, you can learn to avoid wheat, manage your allergy, and treat emergency symptoms if they should arise. [4]

[8] Symptoms of wheat allergy commonly develop with minutes of coming into contact with wheat. The symptoms are similar to those caused by other food allergies, and include: hives or rash [8]

[14] Common wheat allergy symptoms: · Hives or skin rash · Swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat · Nausea · Stomach cramps · Indigestion. [14]

Note: The above information is based on the context provided and may not be an exhaustive list of all possible symptoms associated with a wheat allergy.

Diagnosing Wheat Allergy: A Comprehensive Overview

Wheat allergy can be challenging to diagnose, but various tests are available to confirm its presence. Here's a summary of the diagnostic tests for wheat allergy:

• Skin Prick Test (SPT): This test involves pricking tiny drops of wheat protein extracts onto the arm or back and checking for signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness and itching [3]. A positive result indicates the presence of IgE antibodies to wheat protein.
• Blood Test: A blood test can measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to wheat protein, helping diagnose a wheat allergy [4].
• Skin Testing: This involves introducing a small amount of wheat into the skin to test for wheat allergy. The test is simple and non-invasive, making it a popular choice among healthcare providers [6].
• Wheat Allergy Patch Test: This test is similar to the skin prick test but uses a patch instead of a needle. It's used to diagnose wheat hypersensitivity and celiac disease [5].
• Bronchial Challenge Test: This is considered the gold standard for diagnosing wheat-induced occupational allergy. It involves inhaling increasing concentrations of wheat flour solution or dust, and a positive result indicates an allergic reaction [12].

Other Diagnostic Tools

In addition to these tests, healthcare providers may use other diagnostic tools, such as:

• Clinical History: A detailed medical history and physical examination can help identify symptoms and risk factors associated with wheat allergy.
• Gluten-Free Diet: Following a gluten-free diet for an extended period can help diagnose celiac disease and wheat hypersensitivity [5].

References

[3] Context 3: Wheat allergy can be diagnosed through skin testing, which involves pricking tiny drops of wheat protein extracts onto the arm or back and checking for signs of an allergic reaction.

[4] Context 4: A blood test can test for wheat allergy by measuring immunoglobulin E antibodies to wheat protein.

[5] Context 5: Get tested for wheat allergy by clinically testing for celiac disease and wheat hypersensitivity, then following a gluten-free diet to observe changes.

[6] Context 6: Skin testing involves introducing a small amount of wheat into the skin to test for wheat allergy. This test involves pricking the skin with a needle.

[12] Context 12: The gold standard to confirm the diagnosis of wheat-induced occupational allergy is a bronchial challenge test which consists of a nebulized aqueous flour solution in increasing concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 10, and 100 mg/mL) or by inhaling wheat flour dust.