How is a wheat allergy diagnosed?
An allergist will be able to tell you if you have an allergy or if it is another ailment.
- The allergist will ask about your medical history. This includes information about allergies your parents may have.
- The allergist will order a skin-prick test or a blood test. During the skin-prick test, a small amount of liquid containing wheat protein is placed on your back or forearm. It is then pricked with a small, sterile probe. If a raised, reddish mark forms, it could mean you are allergic to wheat.
- For the blood test, a blood sample is sent to a laboratory. The test checks for the presence of immunoglobulin E antibodies to wheat protein. The results tell the allergist if there is a wheat allergy.
- If these two tests do not give conclusive results, another test called a graded oral challenge may be performed. You would eat a small amount of wheat and see if a reaction develops. This food challenge takes place under medical supervision, since a severe reaction could occur.