Could Your Child’s Bread or Pasta Reaction Be a Wheat Allergy?
Is your child tired, itchy, or complaining of tummy aches after eating bread or pasta?
It might be more than just a fussy eater phase. Reactions to wheat are surprisingly common—and they can look very different from child to child.
Some children experience sudden allergic reactions, with symptoms like hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing within minutes of exposure.
Others may show slower, more subtle signs linked to coeliac disease or non-coeliac wheat sensitivity: persistent bloating, fatigue, skin rashes, or poor growth.
Understanding which one you’re dealing with is crucial—not just for peace of mind, but to avoid the risk of long-term health complications.
With the right diagnosis, you can:
- Stop second-guessing every meal.
- Avoid cutting out foods unnecessarily.
- Feel confident knowing how to protect your child from future flare-ups.
- Support their energy, growth, and wellbeing.
No more guessing games—just clarity, control, and a plan that works.
Read on to learn how to spot the signs of a wheat allergy, distinguish it from other wheat-related conditions, and take the next steps toward helping your child thrive.
Understanding Wheat Reactions: Types, Symptoms, and What to Watch For
What Causes IgE Mediated Wheat Allergy?
Your risk of developing an immediate wheat allergy is higher if you have a family history of food allergies or allergic conditions like hay fever, asthma or eczema. Products that go on the skin, like creams, shampoos, and soaps, can sometimes contain hydrolysed wheat protein, which has been linked to wheat allergy. It’s best to avoid these, especially during infancy.
What Are The Signs Of IgE Mediated Wheat Allergy?
Symptoms of IgE-mediated wheat allergy can manifest anywhere from minutes to up to two hours after exposure to wheat with a diverse array of symptoms, and the severity of these symptoms can differ from person to person. Symptoms of wheat allergy include:
- Skin Reactions: Hives, itching, eczema, and swelling are typical skin manifestations of wheat allergy.
- Respiratory Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion may occur, resembling symptoms of hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea can develop after consuming wheat-containing foods.
- Anaphylaxis: In severe cases, wheat allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction characterised by difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is crucial in such serious symptoms.
- Asthma Exacerbation: People with wheat allergy who also have asthma may experience worsened asthma symptoms when exposed to wheat allergens.
- Other Allergic Symptoms: Symptoms like itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, and an itchy throat are also possible.
Non-IgE-Mediated (Delayed Allergy)
Unlike IgE-mediated allergies, non-IgE-mediated wheat allergies trigger symptoms several hours to days after consumption. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Nappy rash in infants
- Worsening eczema
Because these reactions do not involve IgE antibodies, traditional allergy tests like skin prick tests are ineffective. Instead, diagnosis relies on symptom history, patch testing, and a supervised wheat exclusion diet followed by reintroduction. Since wheat is a major dietary staple, working with an experienced dietitian is essential for safe management.
Wheat Intolerance
Wheat intolerance differs from allergies as it does not involve the immune system. Many people experience digestive issues similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) after eating wheat, including:
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal discomfort
- Rumbling stomach
These symptoms often stem from fructans, a type of fermentable carbohydrate found in wheat, barley, and rye. Since fructans are poorly absorbed in the gut, they ferment in the large intestine, leading to discomfort. If you have IBS, consulting a dietitian about the Low FODMAP diet may help manage symptoms effectively.
Coeliac Disease (autoimmune reaction)
Coeliac disease is not an allergy but an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. When consumed, gluten damages the small intestine lining, leading to poor nutrient absorption and potential long-term health issues. Symptoms can vary but may include:
- Bloating, nausea, and diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
- Joint pain, hair loss, and anaemia
- Constipation
Some people develop dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin rash associated with coeliac disease.
What Causes Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is more likely to affect people who have a close family member with the condition or certain genes linked to it. It’s also more common in people with other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes or thyroid problems, and in children with conditions such as Down syndrome or Turner syndrome. A weak immune system (like IgA deficiency) or early gut infections may also increase the risk.
How Is Coeliac Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves blood tests and may require a biopsy of the small intestine. For accurate results, gluten must be regularly consumed for at least six weeks before testing.
Gluten Sensitivity
Gluten sensitivity shares symptoms with coeliac disease but does not cause autoimmune damage. The exact role of the immune system in this condition is still unclear. Symptoms include:
- Digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Joint pain, headaches, and anxiety
There are no specific medical tests for gluten sensitivity. Diagnosis is made by ruling out coeliac disease and wheat allergy, followed by an elimination diet to see if symptoms improve. A dietitian can guide you through this process for safe and effective management.
Wheat-Dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
Some individuals experience severe wheat allergy reactions only after consuming wheat and then exercising.
This rare condition, known as wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis, can cause life-threatening symptoms.
Those diagnosed with this condition should avoid wheat before and after physical activity and carry emergency medication like epinephrine.
Baker’s Asthma
Inhaling wheat flour dust can trigger asthma-like symptoms, a condition commonly known as Baker’s Asthma. This occupational allergy mainly affects people working in bakeries or food processing environments. Symptoms include:
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Nasal congestion
Diagnosis of wheat-related allergies typically involves a combination of medical history, skin prick tests, and specific IgE blood tests. Some cases may require additional testing, which should always be interpreted by a healthcare professional.
Testing And Diagnosing Wheat allergy
If you suspect a wheat allergy, consult your GP promptly. They can refer your child to a specialist allergy clinic if needed, or you can find one through the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI).
If the symptoms aren’t immediate, ask your GP about a dietitian referral. A dietitian can determine whether complete wheat avoidance is necessary or if small amounts may be tolerated.
At an allergy clinic, a consultant will thoroughly assess your child’s medical history and symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis and evaluate severity, they may recommend skin prick tests, blood tests, or food challenge tests.
What Is The Treatment For Wheat Allergy?
If you experience mild allergic symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral antihistamines. However, if you are at a higher risk of anaphylaxis, they may prescribe adrenaline for emergency use.
Adrenaline is available in preloaded adrenaline autoinjectors designed for easy administration. It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with how and when to use them. Always carry two adrenaline autoinjectors with you at all times, as you may need to use a second one if your symptoms do not improve within five minutes or if they worsen.
For full guidance on the correct usage and timing of the adrenaline autoinjector, it is recommended to seek advice from your general practitioner (GP) or allergist. Additionally, valuable information can be found on the manufacturer’s website linked to your specific injector, or you may also refer to organisations like Allergy UK or Anaphylaxis UK for helpful resources.
How Do You Overcome A Wheat Allergy?
Wheat allergy is most prevalent among children and often tends to be outgrown during the preschool years. If your child has an immediate wheat allergy, it is crucial to ensure regular check-ups with their allergy clinic.
It is strongly advised not to attempt wheat reintroduction into your child’s diet at home without seeking guidance from an allergy specialist, even if you suspect they may have outgrown their allergy.
Avoiding Wheat
If you suspect a wheat allergy, consult your GP before altering your diet. A referral to a specialist can ensure accurate testing and provide tailored dietary advice.
Some individuals also react to grains like rye and barley, which share similar proteins with wheat. A healthcare professional can determine whether avoiding these grains—along with oats—is necessary.
If diagnosed with an immediate wheat allergy, strict avoidance is essential. Since manufacturers frequently change recipes, always check ingredient labels—wheat is one of the UK’s top 14 major allergens and must be clearly highlighted.
When dining out, ask about ingredients that may contain allergens and cross-contamination risks. Restaurants, cafes, and catering establishments are legally required to disclose allergen information.
Clearly communicate that even trace amounts of wheat can trigger a reaction, and don’t hesitate to request staff consult the chef for confirmation.
How Can We Help At Children’s Allergy Doctors?
At Children’s Allergy Doctors, we offer a comprehensive array of allergy services for various allergy-related conditions. Our commitment is to accompany you through every stage of your journey, from the initial allergy diagnosis to assisting you with the management of food allergies and beyond.
We offer food allergy desensitisation to wheat. Wheat oral immunotherapy treatments is a programme where increasing amounts of wheat are given to your child under medical supervision. The aim of the treatment is to help prevent accidental reactions to wheat and reduce severity of reactions. It is not a cure for wheat allergy but may help expedite the resolution of wheat allergy.
Throughout the program, both you and your child will receive counselling and attend scheduled appointments at a clinic led by a consultant. The consideration of suitability for Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) will be integrated into your child’s routine appointment, typically when an allergy diagnosis is established.
If your child is suitable for OIT and you wish to progress, we will provide a tailored plan for this treatment. The plan would typically include a total of 9-14 visits depending on how severe your child’s food allergy is, including an initial visit where the first dose of allergen will be given.
Take control of your child’s wheat allergy today. Book an appointment by contacting our practice team on 0203 146 7721 or email admin@childrensallergydoctors.com.
This article was reviewed by Professor Helen Brough, Paediatric Allergy Specialist, specialising in food allergies and immunotherapy.