Allergies to wheat are on the rise, especially in young children. Allergies to wheat are often referred to as wheat intolerance, and some people can't tolerate any type of wheat gluten at all. If you think you may have allergies caused by wheat products, here are some ways that you can be familiar with the symptoms and get the support that you need.

Many people do not know that they are not actually allergic to the wheat itself. A wheat allergy is a lot more subtle than that, which is why it can be harder to diagnose. Your body is having a negative reaction to a protein found in wheat called gluten. In an effort to protect itself the body treats the protein as though it was foreign invader. The immune system is not able to fight off protein and this is what causes allergy symptoms.

Wheat allergy symptoms are varied and often are the same as other allergies. This sometimes makes it harder to care for an allergy to wheat. The symptoms include wheezing and shortness of breath, which is why a wheat allergy may appear as, or be masked by asthma. Often wheat allergies cause upset stomachs and may do damage to the intestines and abdominal muscles.

Left untreated for too long an allergy to wheat can also cause serious digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome. Skin rashes are another symptom that many people experience. You should visit your doctor if you break out in hives or if your skin becomes red or flushed after eating foods that contain wheat product. You should make an appointment with your doctor or allergist.

Talk with your doctor or allergist about how to begin a gluten free diet. If it is confirmed that you actually do have allergies to wheat gluten you will definately be asked to remove all gluten from your diet. It's a challenge to remove all of the gluten products from your pantry. However, you will soon start to feel better after a few weeks.

Also discuss with your doctor or allergist alternative supplement for help meeting your nutritional needs. However, you should still be able to get all that you need for proper nutrition following a gluten free lifestyle.

Your doctor may require that you also start taking certain vitamin supplements as your body adjusts to your gluten free diet. Because you have been living with allergies and the side effects for so long it will definitely be helpful, since it will replenish your body of the minerals that may have been lost during allergic reactions.

You may find additional treatments for your wheat allergies by talking to a naturopathic or holistic doctor. However, do not substitute an alternative medicine doctor for your primary doctor. Rather, start a plan that includes both doctors and their recommendations.

You will have to work with your doctor to put together an elimination diet, and keeping a food journal to chart your symptoms and food reactions. This will prove to be helpful in determining the best course of action to follow on your path to wellness.