Although wheat is one of the most nutritious foods, it is also one of the most common foods people are allergic to, along with peanuts, cow's milk, soy, eggs, fish, shellfish and tree nuts, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Semolina flour is ground from the endosperm or heart of the durum wheat kernel and is commonly used for pasta. Durum wheat is a hard wheat with high gluten content.
Definition
Don't confuse a wheat allergy with celiac disease, which affects the small intestine. People who are allergic to wheat experience an adverse reaction to one or more of the proteins found in wheat, usually albumin and globulin. In rare instances, you could also be allergic to gliadin and gluten.
Symptoms
If you have wheat allergy, you will likely experience symptoms within a few minutes to a few hours after consumption of the wheat product. Wheat symptoms range from mild to severe reactions that require immediate medical attention. According to MayoClinic.com, the symptoms can include hives, itchy rash or swelling of the skin, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat, itchy, watery eyes, diarrhea, cramps, nausea or vomiting, or anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a a life-threatening condition that can cause chest pain or tightness, swelling or tightness of the throat, severe difficulty breathing, pale, blue skin color, fast heartbeat, trouble swallowing, dizziness or fainting.
Diagnosis
According to Wesley Burks, professor of pediatrics at Duke University Medical Center, 20 percent to 30 percent of people report that they or their children have a food allergy, but only 6 percent to 8 percent of children under 5 years of age and 3 percent to 4 percent of adults have a true food allergy. If you have the symptoms of wheat allergy, you should see your health-care provider. Your doctor will ask questions related to your past allergic reactions and depending upon your answers, she might refer you to a specialist or have laboratory testing done. The tests could include skin or blood tests. Your doctor might also ask you to keep a food diary or follow an elimination diet for a specified period.
Diet
If you have a wheat allergy, you will need to eliminate it from your diet. The federal government requires that manufacturers clearly label any packaged food product that contains wheat. Wheat is in many products, including baking mixes and products, batter-fried foods, breakfast cereals, candy, crackers, hot dogs, sausage and other processed meats, ice cream products, salad dressings, soups, sauces and soy sauce.
References
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Food Allergy: Tips to Remember
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; Wheat Allergy; 2005
- MayoClinic.com; Symptoms; Mayo Clinic Staff; July 2011
- UpToDate; Patient Information -- Food Allergy Symptoms and Diagnosis; Wesley Burks; June 2011
- Food Allergy Initiative: Wheat Allergy
