Wheat Allergy in Children

Normally wheat allergy in children is not life threatening or cause anaphylactic shock. However, there have been instances wherein wheat allergy in children has been responsible for life-threatening allergic reactions and/or anaphylactic shock which require emergency relief measures.  In most of the cases wheat allergy in children has not been dangerous; wheat allergy can cause the following allergic reactions.

	Swelling or irritation of the mouth or throat
	Hives or skin rash
	Itching of the mouth/throat
	Sinus/nasal congestion
	Runny nose
	Inflammation of the airways
	Abdominal pain and cramping
	Nausea or stomach upset
	Diarrhea
	Vomiting

One of the things that can exacerbate wheat allergies after the wheat appeared to have been digested and bring allergic action is exercising. There are children who get allergic reaction even by smelling wheat floor.

Allergic reactions to wheat proteins are termed as true wheat allergies; conditions such as gluten allergy/intolerance or Celiac Disease are being confused with wheat allergy in children.  Gluten is a protein found not only in wheat but also in other grains; this means that children with gluten allergy cannot eat either wheat or grain products. However, children with wheat allergies can eat all foods with gluten except wheat.

The following four proteins are responsible for wheat allergy in kids:

	Albumin
	Globulin
	Gliadin
	Gluten

There are certain factors in a child's family history that are responsible for aggravating the chances of developing wheat allergy.  The risk for kids with wheat allergy increases if they have a family history of wheat allergy; the same is true for kids whose family has other food allergies, seasonal allergies or asthma. In case there is a family history of hives and eczema, there are more chances of the child developing wheat allergy. Sometimes allergic reactions are responsible for developing eczema.

Wheat allergy in adults is not very common although they do exist; this is because mature immune systems of adults are able to handle wheat proteins well. Wheat allergy in kids is quite common as compared to adults.

When to Take a Child to the Doctor

In case it is suspected that the child is having wheat allergy the parents should take the child to the doctor if they notice fast reaction to wheat products or allergy or gastrointestinal symptoms after ingesting wheat products. It is preferable that the child is taken to the doctor when the reaction is in progress; this facilitates speeding up of the diagnosis of the child with wheat allergy. If the wheat allergy reactions are severe no time should be lost in seeing the doctor.

Sometimes you may feel that the child’s wheat allergy is mild with a bit of discomfort; one thing you should realize regarding wheat allergy is that it can become very serious within a short period. Hence, it is advisable to refer the child to the doctor early. The doctor, depending on child’s condition may treat your child himself or refer the child to an allergist. He will also guide you in making a plan for managing child’s wheat allergy.

Treating and Managing Wheat Allergy in Kids

Except in extreme cases of severity in wheat allergy reactions for kids there is hardly anything that anybody can do for treatment of wheat allergy in kids; of course for severe cases of wheat allergy emergency actions are taken and medications given. Although antihistamines and decongestants give certain relief of symptoms of wheat allergy in kids, the best treatment is dietary management and avoidance of wheat food allergens.  This is easily said than done; most of the food products contain wheat and wheat proteins and cross-contamination, mainly processed foods, increases allergen exposure. However, a good dietician must be able to devise a diet plan for the management of wheat allergy in kids.

The education of parents of kids with wheat allergies regarding the foods that contain wheat and wheat products should be thorough. They should be familiar with reading labels on the food products and warning signs of a reaction and reactive measures; they must teach the child and its siblings in all the above areas. The child must be explained the reasons for avoiding wheat and wheat products without scaring the child. Wheat allergy in kids is likely to stay for a long time; sometimes it could last throughout its life. Only way to control wheat allergy is to avoid wheat products and this will keep the child healthy.