Wheat Allergy - Screening, Treatment and Percautions

Wheat Allergy - How do we screen and diagnose for it?

Some of the following tests may be recommended:

• Skin test. In this test, your skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts of the proteins found in wheat. If you're allergic, you develop a raised bump (hive) at the test location on your skin. Allergy specialists usually are best equipped to perform and interpret allergy skin tests.
• Blood test. A blood test can measure your immune system's response to wheat by measuring the amount of certain antibodies in your bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. A blood sample is sent to a medical laboratory, where it can be tested for evidence of sensitivity to wheat.

How do we treat Wheat Allergy?

The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid wheat and wheat proteins altogether. This can be difficult, as wheat is a common food ingredient.

Medications, such as antihistamines, may reduce signs and symptoms of wheat allergies. These drugs can be taken after exposure to wheat to control your reaction and help relieve discomfort.

Despite your best efforts, you may still come into contact with wheat. If you have a serious allergic reaction, you may need an emergency injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) and a trip to the emergency room. If you're at risk of having a severe reaction, you may need to carry injectable epinephrine (such as EpiPen) with you at all times.

Things we can do to prevent Wheat Allergy

There is no sure way to prevent a food allergy from occurring in the first place — but you can prevent symptoms by avoiding the food that causes them.

If you know you are allergic to wheat, the only sure way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid wheat products. Know what you're eating and drinking. Be sure to read food labels carefully.

Be careful of these hidden sources of Wheat

Wheat is a very common food ingredient, and it isn't just found in pastas, breads and other baked goods — it's also used in foods ranging from sauces to some beers, so read all food labels carefully. Some brands of hot dogs and ice cream even contain wheat. Wheat is often used in products including:

• Food thickeners
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• Natural flavorings
• Soy sauce
• Meat and crab substitutes

Do you eat out often?
Eating in restaurants when you have a wheat allergy can be a challenge — communicating clearly with restaurant staff and choosing your food carefully can help.

• Be cautious about cross-contamination — wheat getting into your food from shared pans, cutting boards or utensils.
• Be sure deep-fried foods, such as french fries, aren't cooked in oil that's been used to cook breaded foods.
• If you aren't positive whether meals contain wheat, order simple dishes without sauces.
• Be wary of meat substitutes that are common in Chinese and vegetarian dishes — these products often contain wheat.

Following a wheat-free diet can be difficult — but it is becoming easier. Food manufacturers in the United States are now required to clearly label foods that contain wheat products. Health food and specialty stores commonly carry breads and other products that are wheat-free, including ingredients to use as wheat substitutes when baking. There are a number of Web sites that offer advice, discussions about wheat allergy, and even wheat-free ingredients, products and cookbooks.

If you're at risk of a serious allergic reaction, talk with your doctor about carrying and using emergency epinephrine (adrenaline). If you've already had a severe reaction, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that lets others know that you have a food allergy.

While there is no sure way to prevent an allergic reaction to wheat, reading labels, being cautious when eating out, and using wheat-free products and recipes can help you avoid an unpleasant or dangerous reaction.

Excerpt from MayoClinic.com Allergy Articles

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