Symptoms

  1. Dr.Schär Institute
  2. Dr. Schär Institute
  3. Symptoms
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Symptoms of wheat allergy vary widely and can be described according to the NICE food allergy guidelines. [1]

Classically, IgE mediated wheat allergy shows symptoms of rashes, urticaria (hives), angioedema, wheeze and anaphylaxis (table 1).
Non-IgE mediated/mixed IgE and non-IgE mediated wheat allergy shows symptoms of diarrhoea, constipation, delayed type eczema, vomiting (and reflux and in some (very rare cases) blood in stools or FPIES (table 1).

 

 

 

 

IgE Signs and Symptoms Non-IgE Signs and Symptoms
Usually minutes after food ingestion (But may be up to 2 hours) Usually hours or even days after food ingestion
SKIN SKIN
• Pruritus • Pruritus
• Erythema • Erythema
• Acute urticaria (localised or generalised) • Atopic eczema
• Acute angioedema (most commonly of the lips, face, or around the eyes)
• Acute flaring of Atopic eczema
GASTROINTESTINAL GASTROINTESTINAL
• Angioedema of the lips, tongue and palate • Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
• Oral pruritus • Loose or frequent stools
• Nausea • Blood and/or mucus in stools
• Colicky abdominal pain • Abdominal pain
• Vomiting • Infantile colic
• Diarrhoea • Food refusal or aversion
• Constipation
Faltering growth plus one or more of the above gastrointestinal presentations (with or without significant atopic eczema)
RESPIRATORY RESPIRATORY
(usually in combination with one or more of the above signs or symptoms) (usually in combination with one or more of the above signs or symptoms)
• Upper respiratory tract symptoms - nasal itching, sneezing, rhinorrhoea or congestion • Upper respiratory tract symptoms - nasal itching, sneezing, rhinorrhoea or congestion
• Lower respiratory tract symptoms (cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath) • Lower respiratory tract symptoms (cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath)
OTHER
Signs or symptoms of Anaphylaxis or other systemic allergic reactions

Reference

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Diagnosis and assessment of food allergy in children and young people in primary care and community settings.  Clinical Guideline CG116. London: 2011.