Introduction
Wheat allergy is an allergic reaction of the body to foods containing wheat. When the body ingests wheat products, an immune reaction occurs in which increased amounts of antibodies (in this case IgE (immunoglobin E)) are produced, which react to protein components of wheat. This has effects in various parts of the body. These include rashes on the skin, itching and swelling, shortness of breath or even nausea, vomiting and flatulence. The allergy occurs more frequently in childhood.
Symptoms
A wheat allergy can manifest itself in various symptoms. In general, an allergic reaction occurs in the body, which can manifest itself in different places in the body. For example, if the skin is affected, rashes of varying sizes can occur.
Often these are associated with itching and hives and swelling can also occur locally. These symptoms can also affect the mucous membranes. Those affected often feel a tingling sensation in the mouth, which can last up to several hours.
If it is manifested in the digestive tract, nausea and vomiting may occur. Often the stool habits are affected and diarrhoea, constipation and flatulence occur. Many affected persons feel abdominal cramps, especially a few hours after eating wheat products.
In some cases, the symptoms can also originate in the lungs and may cause breathing difficulties. In such a situation it is important to remain calm, breathing exercises can be supportive. If there is already another form of allergy or, for example, neurodermatitis, the corresponding symptoms of a wheat allergy can be intensified by the consumption of wheat products.
In the context of a wheat allergy, various symptoms can occur in the digestive tract. Characteristically, they are manifested a few hours after the consumption of wheat products. The allergic irritation leads to digestive disorders and changes in bowel movements.
Frequently, alternating phases of diarrhoea and constipation occur. The latter manifests itself by less frequent bowel movements and a particularly hard stool consistency. As a result, the bowel must be pressed hard during defecation and those affected often have the feeling of not being completely emptied after going to the toilet.
This topic might also be of interest to you: Household remedies against constipationWith a wheat allergy, a wide variety of symptoms can occur. The substances contained in foods containing wheat activate certain cells of the immune system, causing the body to react in different ways. These may include joint pain, which can occur in all joints and is often associated with headaches.
These are often intensified by additional physical activity and can last for several hours. The skin is a common organ affected by wheat allergy. The consumption of products containing wheat can cause rashes.
Characteristic of this are severe itching and particularly dry skin. The rashes can occur all over the body, with characteristic spots depending on age, and are often accompanied by local swelling. The severity and appearance of the rashes are highly variable.
The formation of red blisters, which can vary in size and are often very itchy, is common. If thickened nodules appear, which are sharply defined and noticeably itchy, they are also called prurigo. In adults, these rashes are often found on the flexion sides of the arms and legs. In addition, crust formation and hives can occur. The latter is also very itchy and the rashes are rather flat, distinct reddish raised areas on the skin.