An allergy to vital wheat gluten is a common food-related allergy. Gluten is one of the four primary proteins found in wheat that causes an allergic reaction. If you're diagnosed with a vital wheat gluten allergy, you need avoid all foods and beverages that contain gluten. Consuming products that contain this protein can cause a severe allergic reaction that could lead to death. Talk with your doctor before changing your diet to prevent or treat any medical condition.
Cause
An allergy to vital wheat gluten is caused by an abnormal immune system reaction to the protein. Your immune system protects your body from infectious diseases. During a vital wheat gluten allergic reaction, your immune system reacts to the protein as if it were an invading substance. The immune system fights against the gluten to protect the body, although the protein is safe. Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies are produced to fight off the protein. This causes mast cells to create more histamine in soft tissue. Histamine causes inflammation in soft tissue throughout the body, leading to most allergy symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of a gluten allergy include nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, itching, swelling, hives, eczema, metallic taste in the mouth, dizziness, wheezing, trouble breathing, nasal congestion and swelling in the face, lips, throat or tongue. If you develop severe symptoms, you will need to contact emergency medical personnel. Symptoms that are alarming include a rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, blue-colored skin or nail and loss of consciousness.
Diet Modification
The best way to prevent and treat any gluten allergy is avoid all foods that contain it. Some ingredients that contain gluten are bran, whole-wheat flour, high-protein flour, farina, durum, malt, starch, bulgur, couscous, spelt, pasta, crackers, gelatinized starch, vegetable gum and wheat germ. Some products, such as ice cream, ketchup and lunch meats, may contain vital what gluten and need to be avoided. Read the ingredients on all packaged foods before ingesting. Packaged foods need to disclose the use of wheat on the package.
Treatment
If you accidentally ingest wheat, you may be able to treat certain symptoms with medications. Oral antihistamines may help alleviate minor allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and nasal congestion. Topical hydrocortisone can be used to treat allergic skin rashes, such as eczema or hives. An injection of epinephrine is the most effective treatment for a severe allergic reaction to wheat gluten.
