Wheat allergy

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC

Wheat allergy
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hives, asthma, anaphylaxis, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Complications	N/A
Onset	Minutes to hours after exposure
Duration	Variable, can be chronic with repeated exposure
Types	N/A
Causes	Immune system reaction to wheat proteins
Risks	Family history of allergies, atopic dermatitis
Diagnosis	Skin prick test, specific IgE blood test, oral food challenge
Differential diagnosis	Celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, baker's asthma
Prevention	Avoidance of wheat-containing foods
Treatment	Antihistamines, epinephrine for severe reactions
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Estimated 0.1% of the population
Deaths	N/A

Urticaria

EpiPen

Wheat allergy is an allergic reaction to foods containing wheat. It is one of the most common food allergies, particularly in children. Wheat allergy is distinct from celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, although the symptoms can be similar.

Symptoms

Symptoms of wheat allergy can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Hives
• Eczema
• Asthma
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anaphylaxis

Causes

Wheat allergy is caused by an immune system response to one or more of the proteins found in wheat, such as gliadin, glutenin, albumin, and globulin. When a person with wheat allergy consumes wheat, their immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful and releases histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergic symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of wheat allergy typically involves:

• Medical history and symptom review
• Skin prick test
• Blood test for specific IgE antibodies
• Oral food challenge

Management

The primary treatment for wheat allergy is the avoidance of wheat and wheat-containing products. This includes:

• Reading food labels carefully
• Avoiding cross-contamination
• Using wheat-free substitutes

In cases of accidental exposure, antihistamines may be used to relieve mild symptoms, while severe reactions may require epinephrine.

Prognosis

Many children outgrow wheat allergy by the age of 12, but it can persist into adulthood. Regular follow-up with an allergist is recommended to monitor the condition.

Related Conditions

• Celiac disease
• Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
• Food allergy
• Anaphylaxis

See Also

• Gluten-free diet
• Allergen
• Immune system