Wheat and cow's milk are two of the foods most likely to cause allergies. Gluten, one of the proteins found in wheat, commonly causes allergic reactions; cow's milk products contain proteins that lead to similar allergic reaction symptoms; someone with gluten and dairy allergies needs to modify her diet to avoid consuming these products, according to KidsHealth.org. Talk with an allergist to properly diagnose and treat gluten and diary allergies.
About Food Allergy
When a person with a gluten or dairy allergy consumes cow's milk or wheat products, the body mistakes the proteins in these products as dangerous invaders and attacks them the same way it would a virus or harmful bacteria. The immune system attempts to protect the body by releasing chemicals including antibodies to ward off the substance, according to the Mayo Clinic. This reaction in the body leads to common allergy symptoms.
Similar Symptoms
After consuming gluten or diary products, someone with an allergy will develop symptoms within a few hours. Most food allergy symptoms are similar, leading to stomach discomfort, skin rashes and nasal complications, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The digestive tract can develop symptoms such as discomfort, bloating and diarrhea. Common skin rashes include hives and eczema, depending on the patient's predisposition. Nasal complications include sneezing, congestion and sinus pressure pain.
Treatment
Treating allergies to dairy and gluten begins with avoidance. Avoid all food products containing wheat or cow's milk. Treat minor symptoms with antihistamines to block the body's production of histamine, according to KidsHealth.org. If the consumption of cow's milk or gluten leads to anaphylactic shock, a potentially life-threatening reaction, an immediate injection of epinephrine may be needed to restore the body to its normal function.
Allergies vs. Intolerance
Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are commonly mistaken for allergies. Intolerance to lactose is due to the body's inability to produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down the sugar in cow's milk. Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is a reaction of the immune system that causes the intestines to become inflamed, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Testing
A doctor can diagnose whether an individual has an allergy to dairy or gluten through a variety of tests. Blood tests and skin test are administered to confirm a suspected allergy to wheat or cow's milk. A doctor may also ask the patient to keep a food diary and record any reactions caused by the consumption of particular foods, according to the Mayo Clinic.
