Wheat germ oil allergies are caused by proteins found in wheat germ, according to the Food Allergy Initiative. Someone with a wheat germ allergy is also considered to have a wheat allergy. Wheat germ is a portion of wheat that is commonly used in baking and bread products. If you have a wheat allergy, you should discuss with your physician the advantages and disadvantages of taking a wheat germ oil supplement. A wheat germ oil allergy is a serious condition and must be properly diagnosed to determine the best treatment.
Background
A wheat germ oil allergy causes an abnormal reaction from your immune system that results in common allergy symptoms, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The immune system develops antibodies towards the proteins found in wheat germ and attacks them when they enter your body. The attack of the antibodies causes the body to raise its defenses and releases histamine in different parts of the body. The result is allergy symptoms in the chest, on the skin and in the nasal passages.
Symptoms
Once wheat germ oil is ingested, symptoms will appear within a matter of minutes. MayoClinic.com states that the most common symptoms of a wheat germ oil allergy are nasal congestion, cramping, diarrhea, hives, watery eyes and the swelling of the mouth, throat or lips. The allergic reaction may also produce asthma symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing.
Treatment
The only way to prevent a wheat germ oil allergic reaction is avoid wheat germ altogether. Complete avoidance is the goal, but may not be practical. If you ingest wheat germ oil and experience minor allergic reactions, such as hives, nasal congestion or watery eyes, you can take an antihistamine to reduce symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com.
Foods
Wheat germ oil is commonly found in flour-based foods that should be avoided when possible. These include cereals, bread crumbs, enriched flour, gluten, bran, crackers, semolina wheat and whole wheat flour, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Other ingredients that might indicate wheat germ are starch, vegetable gum, gelatinized starch and hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
Complications
An allergy to wheat germ oil can cause anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is an entire body allergic reaction that could lead to death, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms to look for with anaphylaxis are trouble swallowing, severe breathing difficulty, a weak pulse, pale skin color and tightness of the throat. Call 911 if these symptoms develop.
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