Wheat allergy

[SarahS12345]

Hi

Does anyone have experience of a wheat allergy? Did your baby grow out of it?

DD (now 2 3/4) had/has a milk and egg allergy which we managed and she can now have a bit of dairy.

DS is 6 months and had a rash when we tried him with a tiny bit of formula. Given DD's history we assumed milk allergy and got him referred to the allergy clinic for testing. This morning I gave him some baby porridge (with Neocate) and he got the rash again. Freaking out that he might also be allergic to wheat. Milk I could cope with but I jus don't know what I will feed him without any dairy and without bread, pasta, cereal too.

Feel really upset and obviously we have to now wait for the allergy testing and see what they say but was wondering/hoping whether anyone has had this and whether there is a chance that the wheat thing might be short lived.

Thanks so much in advance.

[SarahS12345]

sorry just to add - I am a bit confused about wheat/gluten distinction.

I've seen lots of discussion about gluten free products, but the porridge I gave him is gluten free, but with maize. So does this mean that he couldn't have gluten free things??

[ArtFine]

I'm not sure about the gluten wheat distinction, so sorry can't help there.

But I just wanted to reassure you that there are gluten free products like pasta, cereals, bread etc.

[cameorole]

Can you list the ingredients in the porridge? That might make it easier for me and others to help you distinguish what the possible allergy could be. That is, assuming it is an allergy: at that age I think it's quite common for babies to get rashes after eating but it doesn't necessarily indicate an allergy. Were there any other symptoms?

A wheat allergy is very different from a gluten intolerance. Some people who are allergic to wheat can tolerate the gluten in rye and barley, for example, while others have to avoid all grains containing gluten.

If your baby is actually allergic to wheat, it's not the end of the world. My DS is allergic to dairy, wheat, eggs, some pulses and nuts but he's still thriving three years after diagnosis! On this board you'll get plenty of ideas and as your baby is so young he'll get used to the alternative foods easily. There are loads of alternative foods -- you just need to know where to find them and we can help you!

On another positive note, wheat allergy is commonly outgrown within the first three years (tho this hasn't been the case for my DS who "failed" a wheat challenge last month).

[SarahS12345]

Thanks cameorole, that is good to hear. I know from experience with my daughter that you do get used to these things - it's just a bit depressing.
I think it's partly because my daughter lives off bread and pasta - the idea of feeding a baby/toddler without these things is daunting.

Anyhow, the porridge I gave him is Organix banana and mango - it contains: rice flour; maize flour; banana flakes and freeze dried mango. He's had baby rice and banana with no reaction so it must be the maize (which is wheat right?)

No symptoms other than blotchy rash on his forehead and he rubbed his eyes a bit (but maybe was tired). When we tried a bit of formula he had similar blotchyness on his chin. He didn't seem at all bothered otherwise. Very different from my daughter who was distressed and drowsy and projectile vomiting with any trace of milk product.

Thanks again for your response - any further insights very gratefully received.

[cameorole]

Maize is corn, so it wouldn't be a wheat allergy. Corn allergies are rare in this country (I read somewhere!) and more common in the US. A corn allergy seems very unlikely. I'm wondering whether it's an allergy at all, and just one of those rashes that appears now and then? But prob best to consult a doc at this point and keep a record of all reactions (with photos)? How was the milk allergy diagnosed?

[SarahS12345]

Ok so now I feel a bit of a wally for not knowing what maize is. That is a relief that it's not wheat. Maybe the mango??

He did have a very allergic looking rash on his head. The milk allergy hasn't yet been formally confirmed. We have a blood test in a couple of weeks that will test for milk, egg, wheat and other common allergens. I saw a paediatrician this week after referral because his weight gain slowed (now picked up again and is fine). I mentioned the milk rash and his sisters food allergy history (confirmed by blood and skin prick) she said she could tell he has allergies by looking at him as he has 'extra lines under his eyes'.

I think we shall just have to tread carefully with weaning until he has been allergy tested. H

[TeddyCan1]

This is really worrisome. Talk to a paediatric immunologist. But for the time being, you may try giving oatmeal (in my opinion). I wouldn't suggest rice due to its arsenic effect. This is for your information, new researches suggest that introducing foods that the body is allergic to in very little quantity help cutting off allergies. However, see what your doctor suggests.

[Tryingmybest5518]

Reaching out for some help from fellow allergy mums especially to wheat. My little boy has a wheat allergy, diagnosed before weaning (due to milk allergy which is now outgrown) and reacted to weetabix the first time he had it (projective vomiting and hives). He is now thriving 18 mo however has been having reactions at nursery (handful of hives) and I’m beside myself with worry that this is going to get worse the more accidental exposure he’s having. Do any mums have experience of their little ones outgrowing wheat allergies? Did they have hives or other symptoms? 
the nursery are saying they are doing everything to avoid accidental exposure - the problem is I can’t work out if he’s touched some wheat and reacted (seems unlikely as we have wheat at home ) or if he’s found a corner of a cracker and grabbed it while no one is looking. 
Please help and increasingly anxious mum!

[VitoCorleoneOfMNMafia]

rice flour; maize flour; banana flakes and freeze dried mango

Banana can cause a cross-reaction if your child has a latex allergy.

[Diorama1]

My DS outgrew a wheat allergy - I cant remember what age exactly but it was before he was 2.
He has outgrown allergies to rice, wheat, milk, tree nuts - only allergic to peanuts and egg (but on egg ladder and can eat a boiled egg)