Wheat Allergy
Wheat allergy, known in English as Celiac Disease, is a condition where the consumption of foods containing gluten—found in wheat, barley, and rye—causes damage to the small intestine. Individuals with this allergy often experience malabsorption of essential nutrients, which can lead to serious health complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and even cancer.
Symptoms of Wheat Allergy
Wheat allergy manifests through various symptoms, including:
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is frequently reported among individuals prior to the diagnosis of celiac disease. Research indicates that 79% of celiac disease patients experience diarrhea before treatment; however, only 17% continue to suffer from chronic diarrhea. Another study also highlighted diarrhea as a prevalent symptom among those with untreated celiac disease.
- Gas: Excessive gas is a common gastrointestinal issue for those with untreated celiac disease. Studies reveal that gas becomes one of the most frequent symptoms triggered by gluten consumption in affected individuals, with approximately 9.4% of celiac disease patients in Northern India reporting symptoms including excessive gas and bloating. Other possible contributors to gas, constipation, and indigestion may include lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Weight Loss: Celiac disease can lead to malnutrition and weight loss due to the body’s impaired ability to absorb nutrients. Research indicates that 23% of patients with celiac disease report weight loss, making it one of the most common symptoms following diarrhea and abdominal pain. Additional unexplained causes of weight loss may include diabetes, cancer, depression, or thyroid dysfunction.
Milk Allergy
Milk allergy, referred to as such in English, is a reaction to one of the proteins in milk, often stemming from casein, which is present in cow’s milk. This allergy is the leading cause of food allergies in young children, being among the eight foods responsible for 90% of childhood allergies. It is important to differentiate between milk allergy and lactose intolerance, as they frequently share similar symptoms. Lactose intolerance occurs due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk.
Symptoms of Milk Allergy
The symptoms of milk allergy vary between individuals and can appear within minutes to hours after consuming milk or dairy products. Notable symptoms include:
- Wheezing.
- Itching or tingling sensations around the lips or mouth.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
- Coughing or difficulty breathing.
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Colic in infants.