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Wheat Allergy Diseases

True wheat allergies are caused by a misdirected immune system. The immune system develops antibodies that target wheat proteins causing illness in those that suffer with this condition. Symptoms range from digestive disorders to skin reactions. Beyond just having a typical wheat allergy there are several other forms of wheat allergies.

  1. Celiac Disease

    • The Mayo Clinic defines celiac disease as "a food sensitivity rather than a food allergy." With celiac disease, the body's immune system reaction is only to the gluten protein in wheat, and other grains, as it travels through the intestines. This reaction causes damage to the intestines and small bowel leading to an array of health problems including digestive upset, malabsorption of nutrients, weight loss, fatigue and abdominal pain. Some patients with celiac disease also develop dermatitis herpetiformis, where the condition manifests itself as a blistering, itching rash. Diagnosis of this disease is made through a complete evaluation of symptoms in combination with several blood tests. The only treatment offering relief is the complete avoidance of gluten-containing foods.

    Wheat-dependent, Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis

    • With this condition, people only have symptoms of their wheat allergy if they exercise within a few hours of eating wheat. This is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose. According to the American Family Physician journal article “Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis and Urticaria” researchers state that “since the original case description during the 1970s, more than 1,000 cases have been described in the literature.” Persons with this type of wheat allergy may have reddening of the skin or even have trouble breathing or faint as a result of exercising. Doctors often utilize an exercise challenge test to diagnosis this type of wheat allergy. This involves doing a cardio exercise such as running on a treadmill, after eating wheat while in a medical setting. Doctors will then observe the patients reactions and symptoms to help confirm a wheat-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis condition. Treatment consists of avoiding the triggers for anaphylaxis, including not exercising for four to six hours after eating, not exercising during menstruation and not taking aspirin or other NSAIDs before physical activities. Carrying an EpiPen at all times is also recommended.

    Baker's Asthma

    • As the name suggests, bakery workers are most often afflicted with baker’s asthma. In these cases breathing the flour dust into the lungs causes asthma-like breathing problems. This is more than flour causing irritation within the lungs; it is a true allergy to the wheat proteins in the flour. Persons with this type of wheat allergy will have a positive allergy skin test to wheat. Avoidance of flour is the only way to treat baker’s asthma. Continual exposure to flour worsens the condition.

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