A wheat allergy affects mainly children and is often outgrown by the age of 3, according to the Food Allergy Initiative. Pain associated with a wheat allergy is typically from stomach cramping or nasal congestion. If someone experiences severe pain, he should consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Wheat allergy reactions can range from mild to severe and are effectively prevented by knowing the ingredients in foods before consuming them.
Cause
A wheat allergy is caused by a malfunction in the immune system. The proteins found in wheat cause the immune system to react as if it were under attack. The body forms antibodies to ward off the wheat proteins, which leads to common allergy symptoms. A wheat allergy can cause stomach cramping and sinus congestion, with pain in the stomach and head. Severe sinus congestion can cause sinus pressure headaches that may be felt in the eyes, cheekbones and forehead.
Other Symptoms
Because pain is not the primary symptom of a wheat allergy, other wheat allergy symptoms should be present to confirm that the pain is caused by a wheat allergy. Common wheat allergy symptoms include mouth irritation, hives, nasal congestion, watery eyes, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty breathing, according to MayoClinic.com.
Concerns
If severe pain is felt in the chest or head, it may be a sign of anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, common with a wheat allergy. Anaphylactic shock can cut off a person's air supply because of a swollen throat or lungs, according to MedlinePlus. The lack of oxygen can cause severe pain in the chest and head. Other symptoms of anaphylactic shock are light-headedness, a dull pulse, and swelling in the lips and throat.
Considerations
Pain from a wheat allergy may be related to baker's asthma, which is a wheat allergy-induced asthma attack. After breathing wheat flour, a person develops chest pain, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Baker's asthma is not induced by eating wheat products but is initiated by inhaling airborne wheat flour.
Prevention
The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Sanford states that preventing the consumption of wheat products is the most effective way to prevent a wheat allergy from causing pain. Those who suspect they have a wheat allergy must check food product labels to be sure that even small amounts of wheat are not present in the ingredient listing. Individuals also should avoid consuming such products as gluten, farina, bran, wheat germ and bread crumbs.
