How does wheat allergy affect a person?

A wheat allergy is an adverse immune response to the proteins found in wheat, a cereal grain commonly used in various food products. When someone with a wheat allergy consumes wheat or wheat-containing products, their immune system mistakenly identifies these proteins as harmful and mounts a response to defend against them. This can lead to a range of allergic reactions, which may vary from person to person.

Here are some common symptoms of wheat allergy:

- Digestive symptoms:

- Abdominal pain

- Diarrhea

- Gas

- Bloating

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Skin reactions:

- Hives (red, itchy welts on the skin)

- Eczema (dry, itchy skin patches)

- Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)

- Respiratory symptoms:

- Sneezing

- Runny nose

- Itchy eyes

- Cough

- Shortness of breath

- Other symptoms:

- Headache

- Fatigue

- Dizziness

- Anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, and a drop in blood pressure)

It's important to note that not all individuals with wheat allergy experience the full range of symptoms listed above. Some may have only mild reactions, while others may have more severe symptoms, including anaphylaxis.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a wheat allergy, it's essential to seek medical evaluation and proper diagnosis. A doctor can perform allergy tests to confirm an allergy to wheat and recommend appropriate management strategies, such as avoiding wheat-containing foods and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) in case of a severe allergic reaction.