Anxiety is not a normal symptom of an allergic reaction to gluten. If you become anxious after consuming products that contain gluten, you need immediate medical attention. Anxiousness is a sign of a severe allergic reaction that can cause life-threatening symptoms, reports the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. If you suspect that you’re allergic to gluten, avoid the protein until you can receive testing.
Gluten Allergy
Gluten allergies are commonly related to a wheat allergy, because gluten is one of the five main proteins found in wheat. Gluten is also found in rye, oats and barley and can trigger an allergic reaction. Gluten is safe for most people, but if your immune system identifies the protein as an intruder, your body will protect itself with immunoglobulin E antibodies. Antibodies are disease-fighting agents that keep the body free of infectious organisms. IgE antibodies target gluten and attempt to fight it off. This reaction causes white blood cells to produce histamine, a chemical that protects against infection.
Anxiety and Anaphylaxis
Anxiety is a common symptom of anaphylaxis, an extreme allergic reaction that causes your body to go into shock. During anaphylaxis excessive amounts of histamine flood your blood stream, causing blood vessels to extremely dilate. The increased blood flow to soft tissues throughout the body causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, a racing heartbeat and lightheadedness. Anxiety, the feelings of doom and fear commonly accompany these symptoms as the body enters shock. If not treated an extreme allergic reaction can lead to death.
Treatment
Anaphylaxis is treated with synthetic adrenalin called epinephrine. Epinephrine is injected into the body and quickly causes blood vessels to constrict, your lungs to relax and restores your body’s normal function. Within seconds of the injection, anxiety and fear will also subside. If you have a known gluten allergy, your doctor may prescribe a portable epinephrine injector to carry with you at all times. If you don’t have an injector during anaphylaxis call 911.
Gluten-Free Diet
The only way to prevent a severe allergic reaction from gluten is to implement a strict gluten-free diet. Drugs.com states that common foods that contain gluten include bread, bread crumbs, pasta, crackers, cookies, malted milk beverages, processed cheeses, pudding, creamy soups, French fries, gravy, dips, ketchup and ice cream. Purchase foods that are certified gluten-free to ensure you don’t ingest the protein by accident.
