Wheat allergy and wheat flour allergy – causes, symptoms & therapy

causes

  Wheat allergy can be inherited and, like most allergies, is more common in children of allergy sufferers. In addition, wheat allergy occurs less rarely in children than in adults. Children who are susceptible to other allergies are increasingly affected. Wheat is one of the strongest allergenic foods and is therefore a particularly common trigger for allergies.The exact causes of the occurrence of the allergy have not yet been explored. However, the trigger is known: protein components such as wheat albumin or gluten. These components are mainly found in the husks of the grain and are the main triggers for most wheat allergy symptoms. The symptoms mentioned occur upon contact with the allergen , whereby even a product containing only small traces of wheat or wheat flour can lead to serious symptoms.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of a wheat allergy and wheat flour allergy:

• swollen nose

• scratchy throat

• itching in the throat

• shortness of breath

• itchy eyes

• Vomit

• Diarrhea

A wheat allergy manifests itself through a variety of symptoms. Symptoms appear either immediately after contact with the allergen or a day or two later. The allergy manifests itself in the area of ​​the mouth, nose and eyes by swelling and itching, and a feeling of scratching in the throat can also occur. The lungs are also affected: shortness of breath, asthma and baker ‘s asthma are possible symptoms. In the gastrointestinal tract, a wheat allergy manifests itself through cramps and vomiting, accompanied by flatulence or diarrhea. Intestine and esophagus may be inflamed. In addition, an allergy manifests itself all over the body, including an allergic shock and tremors.

The course of the allergy is positive as long as those affected do not come into contact with the allergen. An activated wheat allergy can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems, which can cause permanent damage to the intestinal villi. For those affected, an allergy can have permanent consequences, but it can also subside without major symptoms. This depends on the constitution of the patient on the one hand and on the severity of the allergy on the other. Finally, it also depends on how much wheat was ingested and whether this happened through the mouth, nose or skin.

Diagnose

Diagnosis of wheat allergy is based on the available tests. In addition to the antibody test, this also includes the skin prick test and various examinations. First, however, the doctor has a conversation with the patient and clarifies, among other things, the medical history. A complaints diary helps to assign the symptoms of an illness and later to the respective allergy. The actual diagnosis is based on the IgE antibody test. The test enables the symptoms to be assigned and, in conjunction with the skin prick test, can provide an accurate picture of the allergy present.

A skin or blood test is also used. Finally, another diagnostic method is often used: the provocation test . Those affected initially eat an allergen-free diet for a few days. Then, by administering wheat protein, it can be determined whether it is actually the suspected wheat and wheat allergy. With today’s methods, wheat allergy can almost always be clearly diagnosed. In some cases, however, other diseases whose symptoms overlap with those of a wheat allergy must first be ruled out. These include celiac disease , gluten/wheat sensitivity and allergies to house dust and similar pathogens.

treatment and therapy

Since there are currently no medications available to treat wheat and wheat allergies, treatment focuses on changing your diet . A wheat-free diet is an effective remedy against the symptoms that occur, but it can only be implemented with some effort, since wheat is contained in many foods and products. Those affected often not only have to do without wheat products, but also sausages, spices, ready meals, sweets and even medicines should be avoided due to the wheat they contain.

In addition, depending on the type and severity of the allergy, original forms of wheat such as spelt or unripe spelt must also be eliminated from the menu. Such therapy is particularly necessary if the wheat allergy occurs in childhood: Even traces of wheat are enough to trigger severe allergic reactions and the associated symptoms. Parents should avoid all products with gluten, starch , wheat bran, couscous or bulgur and develop a treatment strategy together with their family doctor. The treatment of the symptoms focuses on the administration of medication that counteracts the respective symptoms.

Painkillers are often prescribed for pain in the gastrointestinal tract, and classic flu medication can be used to counteract headaches and sore throats . In addition, the doctor advises the patient to rest in bed and get enough rest so that the body can quickly expel the allergens and recover from the shock.At the same time, those affected should drink a lot and eat a balanced and healthy diet despite the symptoms . Exercise and sport help to strengthen the organism and promote recovery. Finally, a final examination should take place in order to clarify the causes of the allergic shock again and to develop preventive measures together with the doctor.

prevention

Since the wheat and wheat flour allergy is a hereditary defense reaction of the immune system, the preventive measures are limited to limiting contact with wheat and wheat flour products as far as possible and stabilizing the immune system to such an extent that the allergy does not break out later.