Wheat is listed among the top eight food allergens, along with soy, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, fish and shellfish. Apart from celiac disease, a reaction to wheat can take the form of an allergy.
The most common allergy symptoms are respiratory problems, asthma, atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), anaphylaxis and colic. Exposure to wheat can lead to debilitating symptoms and, in some cases, anaphylaxis — a life-threatening allergic response.
Anyone who suspects a wheat allergy should seek medical attention to confirm the diagnosis. Some people react when they inhale wheat flour; others after eating it. A reaction can occur within minutes or hours.
Wheat allergy is one of the most common childhood food allergies, but it can also occur in adults. A person with a wheat allergy has developed a specific antibody to one or more wheat proteins. It tends to develop in infancy, often alongside other food allergies, and usually resolves by about 12 years of age.
Wheat allergy is not the same as celiac disease. See the difference →
Signs and symptoms
- Swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat
- Hives, itchy rash or swelling of the skin
- Nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Headache
- Difficulty breathing
- Cramps, nausea or vomiting
- Bloated stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Anaphylaxis
Symptoms of anaphylaxis
Seek emergency care immediately if you notice:
- Swelling and tightness in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tightness and pain in the chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale or bluish skin
- A weak pulse
- A potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure
This information is for awareness and education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor before making changes to your diet or treatment.
Think you might have celiac disease?
Don’t stop eating gluten before you’re tested — it can hide the result.