Wheat is one of the most common foods that causes an allergic reaction. The proteins found in wheat can cause your immune system to create immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibodies that cause allergy symptoms. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American states that the primary proteins that cause an allergic reaction include albumin, gluten, gliladin and globulin. A wheat allergy can cause a severe allergic reaction that could be deadly. Talk with your doctor if you suspect that you're allergic to wheat protein.
Cause
The cause of an allergic reaction is a malfunction of the immune system. Your immune system protects the body from illness and diseases, but during a wheat protein allergy the immune system reacts to the proteins as if they are dangerous. This causes the production of IgE antibodies, disease-fighting agents that attack the wheat proteins. The creation of these antibodies causes certain cells to produce histamine, a chemical in soft tissue that causes inflammation and swelling.
Symptoms
After eating products that contain wheat, you may develop symptoms immediately or within a few hours. The most common symptoms that develop from a wheat protein allergy are: swelling and irritation in the mouth or throat, nasal congestion, itchy eyes that water, cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, hives or other skin rashes. Symptoms will last for a few hours and will subside after the wheat proteins are eliminated from the body. If symptoms persist, call your doctor for further evaluation.
Dietary Consideration
Wheat protein allergies are the most effectively treated by dietary modification. Before you modify your diet, talk with your doctor. Wheat proteins may be founding unlikely foods, such as root beer, salad dressings and cereals. Avoid all ingredients with wheat in the name and the following: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, kamut, soy sauce, gum, vegetable starch, modified starch natural flavoring and food starch. The federal Food and Drug Administration requires that all packaged foods disclose the use of wheat on the products label.
Severe Reaction
If you eat food with wheat proteins, you may develop a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylactic shock. During this reaction, your entire body experiences an allergic reaction, which causes your body to enter a state of shock. Symptoms that may develop include: facial swelling, hives, shortness of breath and lightheadedness. If you have a known allergy to wheat proteins, ask your doctor about carrying an epinephrine pen with you.
