Allergy, Wheat

When your immune mechanism reacts abnormally to any of the proteins found in wheat, it can result in a wheat allergy. The body of a person who has a wheat allergy reacts negatively when they come in contact with wheat. Antibodies are produced by the body to counter it. Numerous consequences, some of which may be fatal, might result from this immunological reaction.

Even though Celiac disease and wheat allergy are frequently mistaken, the two disorders are distinct, have different symptoms, and are diagnosed differently. Gluten, one of the proteins in wheat, induces an aberrant immunological response in people with Celiac disease. Even if there are no apparent symptoms, Celiac disease can, over time, harm a person's intestines. Individuals who are not affected by Celiac disease or a wheat allergy may experience stomach issues due to a condition known as Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity.

Adopting a wheat-free lifestyle will entirely prevent the manifestations of wheat allergy. When in contact with wheat, symptoms of a wheat allergy frequently appear minutes later. The signs and symptoms are comparable to those brought on by other allergies and consist of:

• Rashes or hives 
• Mouth eye, and throat discomfort  
• Nasal congestion 
• Constipation, nausea, and vomiting 
• Breathlessness

Anaphylaxis, which can cause your throat to swell and put your body into shock, can also be brought on by a severe wheat allergy. It is a medical emergency, and its consequences include:

Chest tightness, discomfort, and breathing difficulties 
Trouble swallowing, throat tightness, and inflammation 
Greyish or pale skin, a weak heartbeat, and a severe, perhaps fatal fall in blood pressure 
Life-threatening Anaphylaxis needs prompt medical intervention.

It's critical to receive a precise assessment of wheat allergy so you can avoid foods and screen out other diseases. You can find out if you have an intolerance to wheat by taking Apollo Pharmacy's Wheat Allergy test, which is an allergen-specific test.

In a blood test for wheat allergy, the quantity of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood is used to gauge how your immune system is reacting to wheat. When skin prick tests cannot be performed due to the risk of an allergic reaction, the patient has skin conditions like Psoriasis or Eczema, or the patient was unable to cease taking a medicine, such as an Antihistamine, blood tests can be beneficial.

If you are allergic to wheat, you must strictly follow a wheat-free regimen to prevent the onset of possibly fatal symptoms. For those who must forgo wheat, supermarkets and restaurants, fortunately, offer a wide variety of foods. Healthy wheat-free foods include unpackaged meats, fruits and vegetables, beans, and dried legumes. By definition, every packaged food item with the label "gluten-free" is free of wheat. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Saibal Moitra, Allergist and clinical immunologist, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata.