Published on 12/14/2007

Wheat is one of the eight most common allergy-causing foods. While wheat allergy most often affects children, it can also occur in adults. Allergic reactions usually occur in susceptible individuals a few minutes to a few hours after they've consumed wheat.

Wheat Allergy - What is it?

Signs and symptoms of wheat allergy range from mild to severe and can include skin reactions, congestion and digestive issues. Rarely, wheat allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.

Not all reactions to wheat are caused by wheat allergy. Some people have a digestive reaction to a sticky protein called gluten that's found in wheat and other grains. This reaction to gluten differs from a wheat allergy. It can be caused by an inability to digest gluten (gluten intolerance) or by an allergic reaction to gluten known as celiac disease or gluten sensitive enteropathy.

Signs and symptoms of wheat allergy can include:

Swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat
Hives or skin irritation
Nasal congestion
Airway inflammation
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as cramps, nausea and vomiting

Allergy symptoms differ from person to person and generally occur a few minutes to a few hours after wheat's been ingested. In some people, allergic reactions occur:

When exercising after eating wheat
From inhaled flour in the workplace (sometimes called bakers' asthma)

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.