Allergy to Wheat

About this topic

A wheat allergy is one kind of food allergy. It happens when your body reacts to a protein found in wheat. Your body thinks the wheat protein is something that may harm you. Then, your body attacks it by mistake. This causes your body to let loose chemicals into your blood. The chemicals can cause problems with many parts of your body. Children sometimes outgrow a wheat allergy � �

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What are the causes?

A food allergy is caused when your immune system treats a harmless substance in a food as a threat. Then, it lets loose chemicals to keep the "threat " � from harming your body. Instead, the chemicals cause the signs of an allergic response. � �

What can make this more likely to happen?

Your family history may raise your risk for a wheat allergy. You are at a higher risk for a food allergy if someone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
Young children are more likely to have this kind of allergy.

What are the main signs?

Skin reaction:
- Itchy skin
- Skin rashes and redness
- Skin swelling
- Hives
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Swelling and itching of the mouth and throat
Belly reaction:
- Belly cramps
- Throwing up
- Loose stools
Lung reaction:
- Swelling of the throat
- Chest tightness
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?

Your doctor will talk to you about your history. Your doctor will ask about: � �

Any history of allergies or food allergies in you or your family
Your signs and when they started
If you have other illnesses like flu and colds

Your doctor will do an exam and may look for: � �

Skin rashes or redness
Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, throat, and face
Breathing problems
Belly problems

You may be asked to keep a food diary. You will need to list all of the foods that you eat. You will also list all the drugs you take. Also, write down any signs you are having. This will help the doctor learn if a specific food is causing you problems. � �
Your doctor may do special tests to learn more about your allergies. � �

Skin test � � � The doctor will scratch or inject a small amount of proteins from wheat into your skin. If you are allergic to wheat, you will see redness or other skin reactions.
Blood tests � � � Your doctor will take a blood sample to check how your immune system responds to wheat.
Oral challenge test � � � Your doctor will ask you to avoid foods that have wheat in them for a few weeks. Your doctor will slowly add foods with wheat into your diet. Your doctor will watch you closely. If a reaction happens, it often means you have an allergy to wheat.

How does the doctor treat this health problem?

Care will depend on the type of signs. If you think you or someone else is having an allergic reaction, get help right away.
Most often, the best treatment is to avoid wheat and wheat products.
Learn to read food labels to find wheat or wheat products.
Your doctor may give you drugs to help control the allergy. You may need to use these in an emergency if you have accidentally eaten a food that has wheat in it.

What lifestyle changes are needed?

Always read the food label with care.
Ask about the ingredients when ordering foods in restaurants.
Be careful if you are eating food that you have not made yourself. Ingredients may change over time.
Know all the sources of wheat and wheat products. These may include breads, muffins, pasta, crackers, soy sauce, ice creams, starch, licorice, and many more.
Talk to your doctor about products to use instead of wheat. Some grains are allowed in your food, like barley, corn, oat, rice, or rye.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to:
- Ease signs like swelling and itching
- Control allergic reactions
- Help with discomfort
Your doctor may give you an emergency shot to control a very bad allergic reaction. You may also be given a special shot to carry with you. This would be used if you have some other serious reaction to wheat.

Will there be any other care needed?

Wear a medic alert ID. Make sure that you carry your emergency drugs all the time.
Tell family and friends about your health problem and how to help.
Do not eat foods you are not familiar with. Make a list of the foods you need to avoid.
Carefully clean the kitchen area and tools you use when cooking. This will help keep them from being contaminated by foods with wheat. Be sure to wash knives, spoons, or forks if touched with wheat or wheat products.
Make a list of the foods you need to avoid. Ask your doctor or dietitian about your diet plan.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

There is no sure way to prevent a wheat allergy. � �

Where can I learn more?

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network � �
http://www.foodallergy.org/page/wheat-allergy � �
Food Allergy Research and Education � �
http://www.foodallergy.org/allergens/wheat-allergy � �

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

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