Food allergies are a result of an immune system reaction to eating a specific food. The body can react to food as a foreign substance, triggering the immune system to attack. Allergies to food can be mild or severe enough to cause anaphylaxis, or a life-threatening reaction. Oats are found in many processed foods and can trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to oat products. Oats also have a high risk of cross-contamination with other products such as nuts and wheat during commercial processing. Allergy symptoms should be medically treated to prevent serious complications.
Itching
Itching can develop on multiple parts of the body as a reaction to oat exposure. A person with an allergy to oats may also experience watery eyes or nose. The throat and mouth may tingle and itch, according to the Nemours Foundation, and for some, may be the only noticeable reaction. Hives may appear on the trunk, arms or legs. Hives are large, raised areas of itchy, red bumps that can appear within minutes of exposure to oats. Facial itching may also develop along with swelling of the lips and cheeks.
Abdominal Discomfort
The body may attempt to eliminate oats and shortly after oat ingestion, diarrhea may develop. Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain can also coincide with diarrhea. Some people only experience abdominal discomfort and bloating.
Abdominal discomfort may also be related to oat intolerance versus a true allergy to oats. Intolerance to oats does not trigger the immune system to attack. The body simply has trouble digesting oats. Abdominal symptoms without additional allergy symptoms may indicate oat intolerance. Nonetheless, the presence of additional symptoms or the persistence of abdominal discomfort after oat exposure should be medically evaluated for clarification.
Anaphylaxis
The Mayo Clinic states that anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition that can result in respiratory failure and death. A person experiencing anaphylaxis due to an oat allergy will develop symptoms within minutes to two hours after ingesting oats.
Symptoms include a constricted airway, difficulty breathing, a rapid pulse and commonly, swelling to the face and lips. Blood pressure drops during an anaphylactic reaction, causing dizziness and imbalance. Hives may also be present. Immediate medical treatment is required for an anaphylactic reaction to prevent death.
