WHEAT ALLERGY & HOMOEOPATHY

Wheat allergy is an allergic reaction to foods containing wheat. Allergic reactions can be caused by eating wheat and also, in some cases, by inhaling wheat flour.

Avoiding wheat is the primary treatment for wheat allergy, but that isn't always as easy as it sounds. Wheat is found in many foods, including some you might not suspect, such as soy sauce, ice cream and hot dogs. Medications may be necessary to manage allergic reactions if you accidentally eat wheat.

Wheat allergy sometimes is confused with celiac disease, but these conditions differ. Wheat allergy occurs when your body produces antibodies to proteins found in wheat. In celiac disease, a specific protein in wheat — gluten — causes a different kind of abnormal immune system reaction.

CAUSES

exposure to a wheat protein primes your immune system for an allergic reaction. You can develop an allergy to any of the four classes of wheat proteins — albumin, globulin, gliadin and gluten.

SOURCES OF WHEAT PROTEINS

Some sources of wheat proteins are obvious, such as bread, but all wheat proteins — and gluten in particular — can be found in many prepared foods and even in some cosmetics, bath products and play dough. Foods that may include wheat proteins include:

• Breads and bread crumbs
• Cakes, muffins and cookies
• Breakfast cereals
• Pasta
• Gelatinized starch
• Modified food starch

RISK FACTORS

Certain factors may put you at greater risk of developing wheat allergy:

• Family history.You're at increased risk of allergy to wheat or other foods if your parents have food allergies or other allergies, such as asthma.
• Wheat allergy is most common in babies and toddlers, who have immature immune and digestive systems. Most children outgrow wheat allergy by 16, but adults can develop it, often as a cross-sensitivity to grass pollen.

SYMPTOMS

A child or adult with wheat allergy is likely to develop signs and symptoms within minutes to hours after eating something containing wheat. Wheat allergy signs and symptoms include:

• Swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat
• Hives, itchy rash or swelling of the skin
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anaphylaxis

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

ALLIUM CEPA: Allium Cepa is a homeopathic medicine used to treat wheat allergies where there are prominent symptoms of allergic rhinitis, watery, burning nasal discharge along with sneezing. In some cases, a nasal blockage may also be present along with nasal discharge. In addition to this, watering from eyes is also well noted.

CARBO VEG - Carbo Veg is selected when bloating as a result of the wheat allergy is well marked. The flatus is obstructed and leads to abdominal colic. Lying down worsens the complaint. The stools need to be passed frequently and are foul-smelling.

LYCOPODIUM - Lycopodium is helpful in cases of wheat allergy where bloating appears in the lower abdomen. This is attended with a rumbling and croaking in the abdomen. Pain abdomen that gets better by rubbing may be present. Nausea, vomiting and constrictive pain in the abdomen may also be noticed.CHINA OFFICINALIS - China Officinalis is a homeopathic remedy used to treat a wheat allergy in cases where the person gets diarrhea upon consuming wheat, or a wheat-based product. The stool remains loose and undigested, and flatulent colic may be present. Bending double may offer some relief. There is abdominal bloating and weakness along with the given symptoms.

COLOCYNTHIS - Homeopathic medicine Colocynthis is used to treat abdominal cramps that arise as a result of wheat intake. The person gets relief by bending over double and by applying hard pressure over the abdomen. Agonizing cutting pain in the abdomen, retching and vomiting may also be present. Watery, frothy diarrhea may also be present along with the above symptoms.

APIS MELLIFICA- Apis Mellifica is useful when the person gets skin eruptions following the intake of wheat. The eruptions are attended with a marked burning and stinging sensation. A cold application may provide relief from these sensations. Heat worsens the stinging sensation.

NATRUM MUR - Natrum Mur is used as a remedy used when there is a tendency to develop eczema due to the wheat allergy. The skin gets raw, red, dry, and inflammed and there may be violent itching. In some cases, the eczema is present specifically in the bend of the elbows.