Wheat Allergy

Diagnosis

Diagnosing wheat allergy involves a detailed medical evaluation to confirm that your symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to wheat and not by other conditions such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Your healthcare professional may use the following methods:

• Medical history and symptom review: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how soon they appear after eating wheat, and your family history of allergies.

• Skin prick test: A small amount of wheat protein is placed on your skin, usually the forearm or back. The area is then pricked to allow a small amount to enter the skin. If you are allergic, you may develop a raised bump or redness within 15 to 20 minutes.

• Blood test: This test measures the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to wheat proteins in your blood. A higher level indicates an allergic reaction.

• Food elimination diet: You may be asked to remove wheat and wheat-containing foods from your diet for a few weeks. The foods are then reintroduced to see if symptoms return.

• Oral food challenge: Under medical supervision, small amounts of wheat are given in increasing doses to see if symptoms develop. This is the most accurate test but should only be done in a controlled clinical setting.

These tests help distinguish a wheat allergy from other wheat-related conditions and determine the severity of your reaction.

Treatment

The main treatment for wheat allergy is strict avoidance of wheat and wheat-containing products. Because wheat is found in many foods and products, this requires careful label reading and meal planning.

Treatment options and management strategies include:

• Avoiding wheat-containing foods: Stay away from products made with wheat flour such as bread, pasta, cereal, baked goods, sauces, and soups unless labeled “wheat-free.”

• Reading food labels carefully: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that wheat be listed as a major allergen on food labels. Learn to recognize other ingredients that may contain wheat, such as gluten, semolina, spelt, and durum.

• Substitute grains: Use wheat-free alternatives like rice, oats, quinoa, corn, barley, or gluten-free flour blends.

• Medications for reactions:

  • Mild allergic reactions may be treated with antihistamines to relieve itching or hives.

  • Severe reactions, known as anaphylaxis, require an immediate injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). People with a known wheat allergy should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and know how to use it.

• Emergency care: If symptoms such as swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness occur after eating wheat, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Outlook

With proper management and avoidance of wheat, most people with wheat allergy can live healthy, active lives. Some children may outgrow their wheat allergy, while for others it can persist into adulthood.

Regular follow-ups with an allergist can help monitor your condition, update your emergency action plan, and ensure you have access to the latest treatment options and dietary guidance.