Wheat, that tall grass that grows in the heartland…
this grain gives the world flour, bread, pasta,
cereal and more…
…but for those with a WHEAT ALLERGY, this
golden grain can be dangerous.
Like other food allergens, wheat can cause
mild to severe life-threatening allergic reactions.
Symptoms of a reaction can occur a few minutes
to a few hours after eating wheat or even
inhaling wheat flour.
Common symptoms of a MILD allergic reaction
to wheat include hives, itching around the
mouth or throat, and digestive problems.
For symptoms like these you may only need
to take an antihistamine, but remember, an
antihistamine cannot control a severe reaction
and is no substitute for epinephrine.
Some people may have a more SEVERE reaction
called ANAPHYLAXIS, which can include problems
breathing and swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea,
coughing, swelling, and loss of consciousness.
To treat anaphylaxis, administer a shot of
EPINEPHRINE immediately, and then call 911.
To prevent a reaction, avoid wheat entirely
- which can be trickier than it sounds - wheat
is everywhere it seems!
Aside from the obvious wheat-packed foods
like breads and pasta, wheat can also be found
in some rather unexpected places, including
soy sauce, candy, hot dogs, ice cream, potato
chips, salad dressings, and more!
Federal law requires food makers to list wheat
on their packaging, so be sure to check the
label for potential wheat products, ask questions
about food that wasn’t prepared yourself,
and check out FARE’s website for a deep
list of potential wheat sources.
But here’s the good news: there are plenty
of non-wheat grain options easily available
such as amaranth, barley, corn, oat, quinoa,
rice, rye, and tapioca. Plus you can find
an assortment of wheat-free flours for baking.
Experiment with different blends to find one
that will give you a texture you desire.
It’s important to note that a wheat allergy
is NOT the same as CELIAC DISEASE, which is
an autoimmune condition triggered by the protein
in wheat called GLUTEN. Celiac disease involves
a different kind of abnormal immune system
reaction than a wheat allergy.
If you think you or your child has an allergy,
be sure to consult your doctor or qualified
healthcare provider for appropriate testing
and accurate diagnosis. If you’re diagnosed
with a food allergy, read your labels carefully
and always be sure to keep at least two injectable
epinephrine devices with you at all times
in case of severe reaction.
Finally, know FARE is always here for you
as a resource at foodallergy.org - and be
sure to sign up for FARE alerts to stay up
to date on the latest Food Allergy news, reports,
recipes and more!
