How to know if you're allergic to wheat

If you think you may be allergic to wheat, you should know the signs and symptoms to look out for after eating wheat products.

If you are allergic to wheat, your body's immune system will consider wheat harmful and emit a substance called immunoglobulin E, which attacks the wheat. This is what causes the allergic reaction.

• Wheat allergies are largely a genetic issue, and strike some one per cent of children, making wheat one of the most common food allergies.
• However, most children "outgrow" their allergy to wheat by the time they are 14.

The major symptoms of a wheat allergy are:

• Hives or an itchy rash
• Swelling and itchiness of the mouth or throat
• Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing
• Headache
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Diarrhea or abdominal cramps with nausea and vomiting

If you experience one or more of these symptoms after ingesting wheat, you need to see your doctor for blood or skin patch tests. In some cases, it is not necessary to actually eat wheat, as merely being in contact with it can cause an allergic reaction.

The most severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening. Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• Feeling that your throat is closing off and having difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing due to a tightness in the chest
• Skin takes on a pale, bluish tinge
• Dizziness, combined with a racing heartbeat

If you experience anaphylaxis, go to an emergency room immediately. Your doctor can prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector that should be carried with you at all times in order to control future attacks. The shot should be administered immediately when any anaphylaxis symptoms occur.

Celiac disease is an allergy to gluten, a protein found in wheat. The symptoms can be similar to those of a wheat allergy, so your doctor can run tests to determine whether you have a wheat allergy or celiac disease.

Knowing the symptoms of wheat allergies and preparing to treat severe reactions can be life saving in an emergency. Get informed and have the proper tests conducted to determine the cause of your symptoms and fund the right treatment for you.