Bread, roti, kottu, cake... Do you sometimes feel uncomfortable or have a hard time eating foods made from wheat flour? Maybe you feel nauseous, have stomach problems, or have difficulty breathing? Then maybe you also have a wheat allergy, that is, a 'Wheat Allergy'. Don't worry, this is a condition that many people have. Let's talk about this clearly and simply today.
Simply put, what is wheat allergy?
Wheat allergy is a very common food allergy. Simply put, when you eat something that contains wheat, or sometimes even inhale something like wheat flour, your body's immune system suddenly goes into overdrive. Normally, our immune system's job is to fight off things like viruses and bacteria that cause illness. But when wheat enters the body of someone with a wheat allergy, the immune system mistakenly thinks that wheat is a harmful enemy and starts fighting it. This "fight" is what we experience as allergy symptoms.
The most important thing is that wheat allergy can sometimes be very severe . If severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat occur, it can even be life-threatening. If this happens, you should go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without delay .
This condition can affect anyone, but if someone in your family has other allergies, you may be more likely to develop one.
What really happens when wheat enters the body?
There are two main ways a person with a wheat allergy can react. This may sound a bit scientific, but let's keep it simple.
1. Immediate reaction (IgE mediated reaction)
This is the most common way to see it. When wheat enters the body, our immune system produces a special type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) . These IgE antibodies recognize wheat as an "enemy" and immediately go into action against it.
- Timing: This reaction occurs very quickly . Symptoms can appear within a few minutes to four hours after eating wheat.
- Severity: This type of reaction is what causes a very severe, life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis .
2. Delayed reaction (Non-IgE mediated reaction)
This reaction also involves the immune system, but the IgE antibodies mentioned earlier are not involved.
- Time: This reaction occurs slowly . It can take up to 48 hours for symptoms to appear.
- Symptoms: The main conditions that result from this are Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) , which is inflammation of our esophagus (food pipe), and Eosinophilic Gastritis (EG) , which is inflammation of the stomach walls.
What are the symptoms of this allergy?
Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience very mild symptoms, while others may experience very severe symptoms. Let's break these down to make them easier to understand.
| Body system causing symptoms | Symptoms that can be seen |
|---|---|
| Skin | Hives, skin redness, itching, swelling. |
| Digestive System | Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea. |
| Respiratory System | Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing. |
| Other features | Headache, watery eyes, body swelling. |
Emergency! Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis
If you experience any of the symptoms below, it is a very serious and urgent condition . This is called anaphylaxis. In such cases, you should immediately go to the emergency room (ETU) of a hospital .
| Anaphylaxis - Emergency Symptoms | |
|---|---|
| Severe difficulty breathing (dyspnea) | Feeling of tightness in the chest. |
| Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) | Swelling of the throat, tongue, or face. |
| Sudden drop in blood pressure (hypotension) | Dizziness, blue eyes, loss of consciousness (syncope). |
| Heart palpitations | Weak pulse, restlessness. |
| Severe stomach pain, vomiting | The body becomes cold and goes into shock. |
Why does this allergy occur?
The main cause of this allergy is the proteins found in wheat. Our immune system mistakenly reacts to these proteins. The four main types of proteins are:
- Albumin
- Gliadin
- Globulin
- Gluten
How do I know for sure if this is there?
If you suspect you have a wheat allergy, the best thing to do is to see an allergist . He or she will ask you a few questions and, if necessary, perform some tests to confirm this.
Questions you can ask the doctor:
- Does anyone in your family have allergies like this?
- Do you have any other food allergies?
- What are your symptoms?
- How long after eating do these symptoms appear?
- Are you taking any medication for these symptoms?
- Do you keep a food journal about what you eat?
What tests are performed?
1. Skin Prick Test: This involves placing a drop of liquid containing wheat protein on the skin of your hand and lightly pricking it with a small prick. If you are allergic, within about 15 minutes the area will become red and slightly swollen, as if you were bitten by a mosquito.
2. Blood IgE Test: Here, a small blood sample is taken from you and the level of IgE antibodies against wheat is tested.
3. Graded Oral Challenge: If other tests are inconclusive, a doctor may give you a very small amount of wheat at a hospital or clinic under their supervision to see if you have a reaction. Never try this at home.
How to treat and manage?
The best and only treatment for wheat allergy is to completely avoid wheat and all foods and products containing wheat .
Most children outgrow their wheat allergy as they grow older. According to surveys, about 66% of children outgrow it. However, if it occurs in adulthood, it can be lifelong.
What kind of food should be eliminated?
Wheat is found in more foods than we think, so it's important to read the label carefully on every package you buy from the store.
| Food category | Examples to avoid |
|---|---|
| Bakery products | Bread, buns, cakes, biscuits, muffins, pastries. |
| Pasta and noodles | All types of pasta, spaghetti, noodles (made from wheat). |
| Breakfast Cereals | Many types of cereal, Cream of Wheat. |
| Other foods | Sauces, hot dogs, some ice creams, soy sauce, pizza. |
Additionally, some non-food products may contain wheat. For example, some makeup, soaps, and children's Play-Doh may contain wheat.
Are there any medications?
If you have minor allergy symptoms (e.g., hives), your doctor may prescribe antihistamines . Sometimes, corticosteroids may also be given for a short period of time.
For people with severe allergies, your doctor will likely recommend that you always carry an injection of epinephrine (such as an EpiPen) . This is used in emergencies such as anaphylaxis. Your doctor will explain how to use this.
Are wheat allergy, gluten intolerance, and celiac disease the same thing?
No. This is where a lot of people get confused. These three, three situations.
| Status | Description | Body response |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat Allergy | An allergy to proteins in wheat. | The immune system reacts by producing IgE antibodies. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur. |
| Celiac Disease | This is not an allergy. This is an autoimmune disease. It reacts to a protein called gluten, which is found in grains like wheat and barley. | The immune system attacks the walls of its own small intestine. This is a lifelong condition. |
| Gluten Intolerance/Sensitivity | This is not an allergy or an autoimmune disease. It's a case of gluten intolerance. | Digestive system discomfort (bloating, stomach ache, headache) occurs, but no life-threatening reactions occur. |
Take-Home Message
- A wheat allergy is an incorrect response by your body's immune system to wheat.
- Symptoms can range from a minor itch to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and throat swelling, go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- The best treatment for this is to eliminate all wheat-containing foods from your diet and consumption.
- It is very important to read the label carefully on every food you buy from the store.
- If you suspect you have this condition, be sure to see a doctor for advice.
- Wheat allergy, celiac disease, and gluten sensitivity are three different conditions.
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