Oat Allergy
Oats are an extremely healthy food source, rich in fiber and supplements that keep the body fit. Although oats have many healthy properties, they can cause allergic reactions in some people. The immune system may develop an allergic reaction to the protein in oats called avenin. Oat allergies can be both a respiratory and skin allergen, and the symptoms of this allergy range from mild to severe. Not everyone who develops symptoms after eating oats may not have an oat allergy. Instead, it may be celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Oats do not contain gluten, but are often processed with wheat and other foods that contain gluten.
Oat Allergy Symptoms
Although oat allergy is not common; It can also occur in babies, children and adults. Symptoms of oat allergy can range from mild to severe. These symptoms usually appear shortly after exposure to oats.
Symptoms of oat allergy are as follows:
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- Stomach ache,
- Runny or stuffy nose,
- Tiredness,
- Itchy and watery eyes,
- Cough,
- Sneezing,
- wheezing,
- Hives,
- Skin rash,
- itching,
- eczema,
- Constipation,
- Asthma,
- difficulty breathing,
- Headache,
- sleep problems,
- Itching or tingling in the mouth,
- Anaphylaxis.
The most severe symptom of oat allergy is anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening condition that causes palpitations, difficulty breathing, and severe swelling in various parts of the body. It is not possible to know in advance what symptoms people with oat allergy will experience during an allergic reaction. While some people have very mild symptoms, some people have severe symptoms. People with oat allergy using creams and similar products containing oats may also cause eczema on the skin. There may sometimes be a delay in the symptoms of oat allergy appearing. This delay occurs 4 or 6 hours after exposure to oats. In delayed oat allergy; Symptoms such as eczema, restlessness, constipation, diarrhea and stomach pain may occur. Symptoms of oat allergy can sometimes resemble flu infections. Symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, nausea and cough after eating oats may suggest a cold.
Products You Should Avoid in Oat Allergy
- Oat flour,
- Oat based milk and creams,
- cookies,
- pudding,
- Beer,
- muesli,
- Some skin care products,
- make-up materials…
Oats are used in many places. For this reason, you should be extremely careful when eating out. Oats may even be used in foods you wouldn't think of. You should especially read the ingredients of packaged foods carefully.
Oat Allergy Diagnosis and Treatment
Oat allergy is not a very common allergy. However, if you experience any of the symptoms of oat allergy, you should definitely see an allergist. There are various tests and methods that allergists use to find the cause of allergy, including oat allergy. These tests and the experience of the allergist will clearly reveal whether you have an oat allergy. One of these tests is the skin prick test, which is performed by placing the suspected allergen under your skin. In the skin test, if there is any swelling or redness in the area where the allergen is placed, this may mean that you have an allergy. Patch test is also a test that can be used to diagnose oat allergy.
Patch testing determines whether you have a delayed allergy to oats. An item containing the allergen remains on your arm or back for 48 hours. Your body's reaction to the allergen is observed. Depending on the patient's condition, the allergist may ask you to eat oats. The allergist observes your reaction after eating oats. This test, which can give you serious symptoms against oats, must be done in a medical center and under the supervision of a doctor. Once an oat allergy is diagnosed, the best way to treat an oat allergy is to avoid oats and all products containing oats. Excluding the allergen is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. In some cases, your allergist may recommend using antihistamine medications to relieve mild symptoms. These medications do not have the effect of eliminating allergies; they only provide mild symptoms and temporary relief. If you experience severe symptoms of an oat allergy, your allergist may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector.
Your specialist will inform you about how and when to use this auto-injector. If you wish, you can also get help from an allergy dietitian to control and better manage your allergies. Your allergy dietitian will create a nutrition plan with you and help you completely eliminate oats from your life.
