Allergy to Wheat & Gluten – The Differences

Many times people make the mistake of confusing an allergy to wheat as the same as an allergy to gluten. While on the service they may seem like they’re the same, it’s important to understand that in fact they’re very different. The difference lies in exactly what you’re allergic to. Gluten is a protein that’s found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. To put it simply, if you have an allergy to wheat, you’re only allergic to wheat, while an allergy to gluten means that you may have an allergic reaction to many more foods.

Get tested

It’s important to see your doctor and get tested as soon as you suspect that you may have an allergy. By getting the proper testing, you’ll be assured to know exactly what you’re allergic to, therefore knowing what foods to avoid.

What are the symptoms?

It’s important to know and recognize the symptoms of wheat or gluten allergies. This is the first signs that there may be a problem. Common symptoms include:

- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Cramps
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Painful skin rashes

These symptoms may range from mild to severe. If you experience these symptoms after you eat something that contains wheat or gluten, you should see your doctor right away.

Treatment options

Unfortunately there is no magic cure. The best medicine is to avoid the foods that are causing the allergic reaction. Your doctor may be able to provide medication that helps with the symptoms; however it’s usually best to treat the root cause of the problem.