Wheat is among the top eight food allergens for children in the United States and numerous countries throughout the world. Wheat allergy occurs as a reaction to one or more proteins in the wheat grain, and typically develops during infant or toddler years. Unlike celiac disease, an immune system reaction in the digestive system to wheat and other sources of gluten protein, a true wheat allergy may be outgrown as the child ages. Observing symptoms, which affect four target organ systems, is crucial to diagnosing an allergy, especially in young children who are unable to communicate their discomfort.
Skin Reactions
Histamine release in the body as a result of the immune system's overreaction to wheat proteins causes a variety of skin reactions in food-allergic infants who ingest wheat. Hives, raised and red bumps on the skin; diffuse and itchy rashes across the torso or entire body; and eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, are possible. Hives and rashes are more likely to occur within hours of feeding an infant wheat. Eczema in the skin folds or on the hands is a more subtle link to the food allergy and often becomes a more long-term symptom.
Breathing Effects
Reactions that impair breathing can occur after a wheat-allergic infant ingests wheat products. More immediate histamine-related reactions include a runny or stuffy nose and a cough. Wheezing can occur within hours of ingesting wheat as a result of swelling and tightening in the tubes to the lungs. This type of swelling and trouble breathing may occur alone or may be a part of an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening food allergy reaction that blocks breathing and can cause shock, requires emergency attention.
Digestive Effects
One primary, early symptom of wheat allergy is nausea. Infants can often express their nausea and discomfort in a variety of ways. Excessive crying from high amounts of gas and bloating is one indication of a possible food allergy. Some infants may vomit within minutes or hours of ingesting a food allergen such as wheat. Diarrhea and an associated diaper rash also often accompany the gas and vomiting reactions to the allergen. It's important to track digestive symptoms in a food diary along with information on food ingested to see if the symptoms are associated with certain foods, like wheat, and to consult a health professional with the results.
Psychological Effects
Many young children and infants with food allergies experience psychological effects after ingesting wheat and other food allergens. Behavioral changes range from irritation, crankiness and headache to hyperactivity, tantrums and anxiety. Although not primary symptoms of food allergy, these psychological effects can occur with other wheat allergy effects, like hives, wheezing and diarrhea, and should be discussed with a health professional.
