Wheat Allergy Symptoms
Wheat contains varied forms of protein like albumin, gliadin, gluten, and globulin. It is in response to any of these proteins―by itself or in a combination―that the body will produce an allergic reaction to. The symptoms that follow are several.
- Vomiting
- Bloating and fullness in the stomach
- Nausea
- Asthma reactions
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Diarrhea
- Eczema
- Swelling of lips
- Swelling of mouth and throat
- Development of hives
- Itchy skin rashes
- Irritation in mouth
- Irritation while swallowing
- Sinus and nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Abdominal pain and cramping in varying degrees
- Stomach upset
- Inflammation of airways.
- Allergic rhinitis
In rare cases, a child might even experience an anaphylactic shock that will lead to symptoms like dizziness, breathing difficulty, blockage of airways, and the skin turning blue among others. Anaphylactic shocks have to be treated immediately for the risks that they involve.
Wheat Intolerance Symptoms
The terms wheat allergy and wheat intolerance are seen to be used interchangeably. But that is an incorrect usage because they are not the same. Wheat allergy is brought about when the immune system creates certain allergens to fight the proteins in the wheat, because it perceives these as being dangerous for the body. Wheat intolerance comes about when the body cannot digest one or more proteins that are present in the wheat, thus giving rise to varied reactions. Let us see what these wheat intolerance symptoms are.
- Mouth ulcers
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Stomach upset
- Paleness of skin
- Aching joints
- Eczema
- Depression
- Low blood iron levels
- Gastro-intestinal problems
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Arthritis
- Skin rashes
- Food craving
- Lowered immunity
Wheat intolerance can give rise to Celiac disease which leads to the small intestine being unable to digest gluten.
Treatment
It has been seen that wheat allergies are most common in children. In most cases, as they grow up, the symptoms clear up on their own. But while these symptoms do make way, the way in which treatment can be administered is by consuming a wheat-free diet. Other types of flour, like corn, barley, and rye can be consumed in place of wheat products. Treatment for the purpose of wheat intolerance takes a similar route where a child will be advised to avoid wheat and gluten in his diet. This is the only effective and preventive form of treatment available for these conditions. The other symptoms like nausea and diarrhea can be treated with the correct form of medication in consultation with the doctor.
Wheat allergy symptoms in children can give rise to varied allergic reactions as we have seen. Thus, understanding what these reactions are and tracing them to the source is important to treat them.
