Is wheat bad? Let's talk about wheat allergy

Have you ever felt a slight change in your body after eating a piece of bread, a bun, or a meal made from wheat, such as noodles? Maybe you get a rash, your skin turns red and itches, or you feel a little sick to your stomach or feel nauseous. Most of us don't pay much attention to these things, thinking that "the food must have been too spicy." But sometimes this can be a symptom of a condition called ' Wheat Allergy'. This is a slightly different and more serious condition than what some people think of as ' Gluten Intolerance '. So, let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is wheat allergy?

It's very simple. Our body has a defense system, we call it the immune system . Its job is to protect us from diseases by fighting harmful germs , bacteria, and viruses that enter the body.

However, when wheat enters the body of a person with a wheat allergy, this defense system goes awry. Their body treats the proteins in wheat (especially gluten) as a dangerous enemy. So, the immune system suddenly produces a lot of chemicals to attack this 'enemy'. This reaction is what causes allergy symptoms. In other words, what happens here is that our own body overreacts to something that is actually harmless.

What are the symptoms of this?

These symptoms can appear within a few minutes to two hours after eating something containing wheat. Sometimes, even just smelling wheat flour can cause these symptoms.

Emergency! Be especially aware of these symptoms (Anaphylaxis)

For some people, wheat allergy can cause a very severe, even life-threatening reaction. This is medically known as anaphylaxis . This is a medical emergency. If any of the following symptoms are seen, immediately take the patient to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU).

• Feeling of tightness or swelling in the throat .
• Chest tightness or pain.
• Severe difficulty breathing .
• Inability to swallow food or saliva.
• Pale or bluish skin.
• Dizziness or fainting.

In a situation like this, don't delay even a second. It is essential to seek medical advice immediately.

What things contain wheat? Is there wheat hidden in places we don't know about?

Even though it says "wheat-free," there are many foods that contain wheat. We all know that wheat is found in things like bread, buns, cakes, biscuits, rotis, parathas, noodles, and pasta. However, wheat can also be found in places we don't think about.

Therefore, if you have a wheat allergy, it is very important to read the label carefully before eating anything . If the label contains words like `Wheat`, `Gluten`, `Starch`, `Modified food starch`, `Hydrolyzed vegetable protein`, `Natural flavoring`, check with your doctor before eating that food.

Wheat in non-food items?

Yes, sometimes play dough that young children play with, as well as some shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, can contain wheat. While these are usually not a problem for those who come into contact with them, it is wise to talk to your doctor about this as well if you have a severe allergy.

How do you find this, Doctor?

If you suspect you have a wheat allergy, don't just keep it to yourself and see a doctor. He or she will ask you questions, examine you, and, if necessary, order some tests.

1. Skin Test:What you do here is put a drop of purified wheat protein on the skin of your hand and make a small prick with a small needle. If you have an allergy, within 15-20 minutes the area will turn red, swell a little, and start to itch, like a mosquito bite.

2. Blood Test: If a person has a skin condition or is unable to have a skin test for some other reason, the doctor will take a blood sample and order a test to see if there are any special antibodies that the body makes against wheat.

3. Food Challenge Test: This is done in a hospital setting and under medical supervision. In this test, you are gradually introduced to foods containing wheat and are carefully monitored for any allergic symptoms.

4. Food Diary: Your doctor may ask you to write down everything you eat and when your symptoms occur. This can help you find patterns.

How is it treated?

The best and only treatment for wheat allergy is to completely avoid wheat and all foods containing wheat. This can be a bit of a challenge, but it is not impossible.

• Using Substitutes: Instead of wheat flour, you can use things like rice flour, chickpea flour, soy flour, potato starch, and corn flour.
• Medications prescribed by the doctor:
• Antihistamines: Your doctor may prescribe these types of pills for minor allergy symptoms (e.g., itching, hives).
• Epinephrine: If you are at risk of a severe anaphylaxis reaction, your doctor will advise you to carry an injection such as an EpiPen with you at all times. He will also explain to you how to use it. Even if you use this injection, it is imperative to go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.