It is important to note that durum wheat allergy can trigger the same allergy symptoms just like with other types of wheat. It simply means that individuals who have sensitivity to wheat should avoid grains such as oats and rye which contain similar allergenic properties.
Along with hard red and hard white wheat that are commonly used in baking bread, durum wheat is utilized in creating pasta which can also trigger health issues in some individuals. Remember that children face a higher risk for durum wheat allergy than adults.
A close look on durum wheat allergy
The allergy symptoms that manifest after eating any kind of wheat can develop in young children right after consuming baked goods or pasta noodles. Within an hour or two after eating trigger foods, symptoms in the digestive tract, mouth and nasal area start to manifest.
Even though rare, anaphylaxis can worsen the health issues which involve the whole body. Young children might be able to outgrow allergies to wheat by the time they reach 5 years old, unless the exposure to wheat continues. Adolescents rarely end up with wheat allergies.
What are the effects?
The histamine released by the body upon eating allergy-causing foods can trigger the symptoms such as itching in the throat, eyes and lining of the mouth. Other symptoms include runny and stuffed nose as well as watery eyes.
As for the digestive symptoms, it includes intestinal cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Some individuals even develop irritating skin rashes after consuming foods that include durum wheat. In rare occasions, difficulty breathing and low blood pressure can progress to anaphylactic shock.
Diagnosing durum wheat allergy
Individuals who experience severe symptoms including dizziness, racing pulse rate and mental confusion must seek immediate medical care. Remember that anaphylaxis can be deadly. With this in mind, an individual suspected with durum wheat allergy must be properly assessed by a doctor to identify the potential allergen. It is recommended to avoid all types of wheat in order to prevent minor as well as severe symptoms.
Common misconceptions
It is important to note that wheat allergies are different from gluten-specific conditions such as celiac disease that affects the small intestines. Gluten is usually present in grains such as barley and even wheat. An individual who is allergic to wheat should avoid gluten but may or may not have celiac disease. With the help of medical testing, it will determine which substances are causing the allergy symptoms and the foods that can be eaten safely.
Prevention
The individual should learn which foods contain durum wheat and similar grains and avoid them. A variety of food additives were derived from wheat starch and other parts of the grain.
Parents must closely monitor the diet of their children. It is vital that children should avoid cakes, cereals, crackers, hot dogs, soy sauce as well as those that include hydrolyzed vegetable protein or modified food starch.