Facts About Gluten Wheat Allergies

In recent years often people complain about gluten wheat allergy. The truth about gluten wheat allergies is that only a very small percent of the population suffers a true wheat allergy

Most people with complaints against wheat have an intolerance to wheat but not an allergy. An allergic response to wheat and wheat products will come on suddenly for the patient and can be life threatening. The person may suffer anaphylactic type symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, coughing, and projectile vomiting. A person having an allergic response to wheat will need immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications and possibly death.

Diagnosing A Gluten Wheat Allergy

If a person suspects that they are allergic to wheat or wheat products they should see their doctor as soon as possible. The doctor can perform a simple blood test to determine if there is a true allergy. This is important to do so that steps can be taken to prevent exposure to wheat and thus an allergic response. Knowledge of the allergy is the best measure to treating the allergy.

Even very small children may have wheat allergies and their parents will need to take steps toward getting them diagnosed. A child may not understand the diagnosis but parents and the physician can begin to teach adaptations to a different life style early in the child’s life.

Treating A Gluten Wheat Allergy

The only treatment for a true wheat allergy is to completely avoid wheat and gluten in the diet. This may seem simple and easily undertaken but is very complex. Wheat is in many foods in the American diet. Of course, the basic foods to avoid are grain products such as bread, cereal, and pasta. The allergy sufferer will also have to avoid cakes, cookies, crackers and pies. Wheat may also be in many canned foods.

Wheat is often used as a thickener so foods such as soups, gravies and sauces need to be avoided. Some drinks such as beer and root beer will probably contain wheat products. The list goes on and on for foods which may contain wheat.

A person with wheat gluten allergy would be wise to consult a registered dietician for diet alterations which will prevent an allergic reaction and will also maintain a healthy well rounded diet.

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