Kids and adults love to eat ice creams, burgers, pizzas, etc., at all times, where wheat is the primary ingredient used in many foods, and anybody can be allergic to it. Wheat allergy is an allergic reaction that one might have without even their knowledge.

The symptoms of this allergy can be either minimal or life-threatening. Still, it should never be ignored, and proper treatment plans should be implemented under the supervision of a doctor.

The allergic reaction to wheat foods as an ingredient is what causes a wheat allergy. In some cases, if someone even inhales wheat flour, the symptoms can occur. It is one of the most common allergies found in kids but rare in the case of adults.

A person with mild allergies will have headaches, itchy and a congested nose. In some cases, it may lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.

Individuals allergic to wheat have a variety of symptoms that can reflect within a few minutes or hours. This includes –

• Itching, swelling or irritation of the throat or mouth
• Itchy rash, hives or swelling of the skin
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea, cramps or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Diarrhoea
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening symptom of wheat allergy in adults and kids, which includes –

1. Tightness or swelling of the throat
2. Chronic breathing difficulty
3. Chest pain
4. Pale, blue skin colour
5. Trouble while swallowing food
6. Dizziness or fainting

Foods with wheat protein that can cause allergic reactions are listed below.

• Bread
• Breakfast cereals
• Bread crumbs
• Cakes, cookies and muffins
• Pasta
• Farina
• Spelt
• Semolina
• Couscous
• Crackers
• Soy sauce
• Dairy products like ice cream
• Hot dogs
• Hydrolysed vegetable protein
• Gelatinised starch
• Natural flavourings
• Vegetable gum
• Modified food starch
• Bakers who work with wheat all day long

The best way to treat, is to avoid wheat protein-rich foods. It can be a difficult task as more or less all food items contain wheat protein. A food diary can help you keep track of the foods you should avoid.

Doctors prescribe some drugs to treat wheat allergy that includes –

• Antihistamines – A drug that can reduce wheat's minor allergic signs and symptoms.
• Epinephrine – This drug is used as an emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.

Avoid foods that contain wheat protein like bread and cereal extracts. Moreover, there are several ways on how to get rid of wheat allergies, that includes –

• Keep yourself and others around you informed about your allergy to wheat.
• Always read the labels of each food product you buy.
• Try to get your hands on gluten-free foods when you shop.
• Refer to cookbooks to get fresh ideas on recipes excluding wheat.
• Stay alert of wheat-based food when you dine out.
• If you suffer from anaphylaxis, carry epinephrine doses when you venture out.

A person should avoid food items like –

• Baked products
• Breakfast cereals
• Beverages with wheat protein content
• Gelatinised starch and modified food starch
• Someone may also feel the effects if they exercise within a few hours of wheat protein consumption.

Wheat allergy should never be confused with celiac disease, which is a gluten allergy. Wheat not only contains gluten but several other proteins that can cause allergies. This allergy in kids vanishes within 12 years of their age. But if it remains, a physician must be consulted to prevent further complications that can be a threat to your life.