Wheat allergy is one of the most common types of food allergies among children, and it occurs when the immune system interacts with the proteins found in wheat excessively and symptoms appear after eating foods containing wheat or its derivatives, and they may range from simple like rash and bloating.
To severe like difficulty breathing or continuous vomiting, and although it is a bothersome problem for parents, correct dealing with the child's diet helps in avoiding complications and improving his quality of life.
What is wheat allergy?
It is an abnormal immune response to the protein found in wheat, where the body deals with it as if it were a harmful substance, this allergy differs from celiac disease, as the latter results from an autoimmune disorder and not from a direct allergic reaction.
Symptoms of wheat allergy in children
Symptoms differ from one child to another according to the severity of the allergy, and may include:
- Skin rash or redness after eating foods containing wheat.
- Colic and abdominal bloating or bothersome gas.
- Vomiting or diarrhea after the meal.
- Itching in the mouth or slight swelling in the lips.
- Bouts of coughing or difficulty breathing in severe cases.
Foods that must be avoided
Parents must pay attention to the hidden food ingredients of wheat, because wheat is not only found in bread and pasta:
- Biscuits, cake, and croissants.
- Ready-made sauces,and instant soup.
- Some types of sausages and luncheon meat.
- White flour or any product containing gluten.
- Some ready-made breakfast cereals.
Safe food alternatives for the child
It is important for the child to get balanced nutrition despite excluding wheat:
- Rice, gluten-free oats, and millet.
- Potatoes and potatoes as a source of carbohydrates.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Meat,poultry, and eggs as a source of protein.
- Gluten-free products available in pharmacies or stores.
Methods of diagnosing wheat allergy
Usually, the doctor diagnoses the condition through:
- Medical history and noticing the relationship between symptoms and eating wheat.
- Allergic skin test by placing a small amount of wheat protein on the skin.
- Blood test to measure antibodies associated with allergy.
- Food exclusion trial by stopping wheat for a period and monitoring the improvement of the condition.
Treatment of wheat allergy in children
The primary treatment is complete abstinence from eating wheat and its derivatives, but there are other procedures that help:
- Reading food labels accurately to avoid any hidden source of wheat.
- Consulting a nutritionist to plan a balanced healthy system.
- Using antihistamines when simple symptoms appear after accidental exposure.
- In severe cases,the doctor may prescribe an emergency adrenaline injection (EpiPen).
- Periodic follow-up of the child to monitor the improvement of his condition with age,because some children may get rid of the allergy gradually.
Can the child recover from wheat allergy?
In some cases, the allergy disappears with advancing age, especially in children who had mild symptoms. As for chronic cases, the child needs to coexist with the condition for life through a safe diet.
Daily tips for parents to deal with wheat allergy
- Preparing the child's meals at home to avoid food contamination.
- Teaching the child what he can eat and what he must avoid.
- Alerting the school or nursery about his special condition.
- Ensuring the availability of safe alternative meals.
Article summary
Wheat allergy in children is a condition that requires awareness and caution from parents, but it is not serious if dealt with correctly and knowing the forbidden foods and healthy alternatives, and commitment to the doctor's instructions helps the child to grow naturally without complications.
Early diagnosis and avoiding repeated exposure to wheat are the keys to controlling the allergy. And with the passage of time, symptoms may disappear completely in some children, while others need long-term coexistence with the condition, therefore psychological and nutritional support is the foundation for a healthy and balanced life.