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What Is Wheat Allergy?

Wheat allergy is a reaction that some people have to food containing wheat. This food allergy can happen to anyone hypersensitive to wheat and its elements. Some reactions that are triggered by wheat allergy can be as mild as rashes and as severe as anaphylactic shock. The reasons why we need to be aware of our allergies is to avoid severe allergic reactions that may be lethal to us.

Wheat is a cereal crop that has been domesticated and is virtually found all over the world. It is commonly used for pasta, bread and other pastries as well as some beverages. There are several species of wheat and they are mostly edible. This cereal is grown commercially in many parts of the world and is one of the commonly used staples in our diets.

What Causes Wheat Allergy?

The most common causes of wheat allergy are the proteins found in wheat. These come in four groups of protein, namely globulin, albumin, prolamin and glutelin. The first two are the more common causes of wheat allergy. Ingestion or inhalation of wheat products can trigger allergic outbreaks in individuals sensitive to the cereal. Wheat flour can be inhaled and it can cause allergic reactions.

Some wheat products are easily recognizable due to the distinct texture, smell and coloring of wheat but this is not entirely reliable because some wheat products are minute. A small amount of wheat substances can trigger an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to it.

Symptoms Of Wheat Allergy

There are numerous symptoms of wheat allergy and these include the more common, hives, asthma, eczema, swelling, cramps and hay fever. These symptoms of wheat allergy can also occur in many other different kinds of allergies.

There are other more serious symptoms of wheat allergy that one needs to be aware of to know what to expect if you are sensitive to this substance. More serious symptoms are irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, anaphylactic shock, chest pains, palpitations and others.

Wheat allergy is not actually a very life threatening disease and there are only rare cases of dying from this allergy. It is best to be aware if you suffer from wheat allergy to be better able to deal with an allergic reaction or to avoid foods with wheat in them altogether. If you suspect that you have a form of allergy you can have some tests done. Skin testing can help you determine what substances you are allergic to.