The sign and symptoms of an allergic reaction to wheat and aspirin develop within a few minutes to a few hours after ingestion. In extreme cases, you may develop anaphylaxis, a life threatening reaction resulting in breathing difficulties. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience swelling of the throat or airways.
Immune Reaction to Wheat Protein
A wheat allergy is one of the most common food-related allergic reactions in young children. This food allergy is caused by an IgE mediated immune response against four different wheat proteins: albumin, globulin, gliadin and gluten. The immune system recognizes these proteins as foreign and dangerous, and activates and recruits pro-inflammatory immune cells. These cells, primarily mast cells and basophils, release histamine, an important immune mediator into the bloodstream. Individuals who develop an allergic reaction to wheat protein are likely to be allergic to barley, oat and rye since they contain the same proteins.
Signs and Symptoms of Reaction to Wheat
The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to the proteins found in wheat typically appear within minutes to a few hours. Histamine dilates and increases the permeability of blood vessels, allowing fluids and toxins to leak to the surface of the skin. The appearance of a skin rash involved with hives is commonly observed, as well as swelling, inflammation, redness of the skin. Watery, itchy eyes as well as swelling of the mouth, lips and face, is commonly observed after ingesting wheat. The release of histamine into the throat, larynx and upper respiratory tract causes swelling of the throat, lips and airways. Contraction of smooth muscles in the airways increase the resistance to airflow, and impairs gas exchange in the lungs. Abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting are commonly observed digestive symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if you have problems breathing or experience an extreme allergic reaction as in anaphylaxis.
Aspirin Immune Reaction
Aspirin is one the most commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Salicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin, reduces the signs and symptoms of inflammation by inhibiting the cyclooxygenage pathway, and the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin and thromboxane. During an allergic reaction, the immune system mounts an improper attack against salicylate, and increases the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals, primarily leukotriene. The increased circulation of leukotriene inflammatory chemicals result in the signs and symptoms associated with an allergic reaction to aspirin. Individuals with chronic sinusitis, non-allergic rhinitis, pansinusitis, asthma and nasal polyps are at an increased risk of developing an allergic reaction to aspirin. An allergic reaction to aspirin also increases your risk of an allergic reaction to NSAIDs, including naproxen and ibuprofen.
Symptoms of Aspirin Allergy
The increased circulation of leukotriene inflammatory chemicals result in angioedema, as well as swelling of the face, tongue and lips. The appearance of hives involved with a skin rash is also common. Red, itchy eyes, coughing, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath is also observed. Patients with asthma and chronic sinusitis are at an increased risk of experiencing bronchospasms or contraction of the smooth muscles of the airways. Nasal congestion, loss of smell and the growth of nasal polyps is observed in these individuals.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Aspirin Allergy; James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D; November 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Wheat Allergy; July 2011
- The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network; May 2011
- Auckland Allergy Clinic: Aspirin (acetyl-salicylic acid) Sensitivity: A Review
- BBC Health: Types of Reactions
- Auckland Allergy Clinic; Salicylate Sensitivity; September 2001
