Rye Allergy – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Rye Allergy  

People with allergies to wheat also have chances of being allergic to rye and barley. Breathing in the presence of rye flour may also motivate respiratory signs. The people working in bakeries or associated with bakeries are most victims of rye allergy.

Rye allergy or cereal allergy can be diagnosed easily by performing several blood tests. The symptoms of this allergy may not be as severe as the signs and symptoms of another allergy. The symptoms may last longer than usual if the pollination season lasts longer.

Some people show allergic reactions to ryegrass even before the rye grains are grown. This grass allergy is not an uncomplicated allergy that can be escaped easily. Closing windows and doors may not stop pollens from entering the house and causing allergic reactions. Because the pollens of the grass can travel in the air.

Before going into the depth of allergy, it is equally important that you know what is rye. So let’s begin with a detailed discussion on the rye.

What is Rye?

Rye is one of the hardiest and the most unique cereal or seeds among all grains. It generally comes from a grain family grown as a large-scale grass. Rye has a vast use in bread making, alcohol fermentation, preparation of flour, beer, and some vodkas. Allergy to alcohol? Rye also plays an important role in the wood industry, paper making, used as fuel, and feed for livestock.

This grain is very different from wild rye grass pollen, ryegrass pollen, and cultivated ryegrass. Rye is originated from eastern Turkey, Afghanistan, and its near areas. If we say rye belongs to the wheat family this will not be false and is somewhat related to wheat and barley.

This grain grows well in cold and dry climatic conditions with a brown-yellowish to grayish-green color. Rye is also known as cereal rye or cereal grain. Rye is an edible grain that is used mainly to make whiskey made of rye and also bread.

It has a rich amount of carbohydrates, fiber and has lower GI levels. It helps to control lower cholesterol, diabetics improve digestive system functioning. Rye is rich in vitamins and minerals and consists of some quantity of protein and potassium. 

Even so, rye is also one of the most common causes of allergy in some people. Especially in Europe, where bread is extensively consumed.

Rye Allergy Symptoms

You may not notice the allergy symptoms with the first use of rye. In some cases, the symptoms of rye allergy may show up even later. When the immune system repeatedly detects these foreign substances. It releases histamines to encounter these substances through sneezing or coughing.

Here are some common symptoms including:

• Skin rashes on different parts of the body
• Swelling of lips, mouth, and throat          
• Eczema                                            
• Tingling sensation in the mouth and oral cavity
• Itching
• Headache or migraine
• Wheezing, coughing, and asthma
• Respiratory problem
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Watery and itchy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
• Nasal congestion
• Anaphylaxis

Sometimes, it might be very useful to take medicines that cause drowsiness which helps to get a full night’s rest. Because these allergy symptoms may cause difficulty in sleeping at night. Always suggest your nearby doctor before taking these medications.

Ingestion of rye can cause food allergies symptoms in individuals. If your body causes an allergic reaction to the products made using rye grains or rye flour all these symptoms can observe.

Rye Allergy Causes

Researches show that there are 23 wheat proteins present in the rye that can cause rye allergy. The immune system mistakes these proteins for harmful particles. In return, which releases histamines to fight against them making us feel comforted. It ranges from mild to severe based on the quantity of food you eat up.

The pollen grass that developed before the grains are being produced can also cause rye pollen allergy. Don’t allow the grass on the lawn to grow longer if you are allergic to grass pollen.

If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms after eating rye bread. Probably you’re allergic to rye grains or you have rye bread allergy. Rye also resembles wheat and barley. So the proteins that are present in rye may annoy you if you are allergic to these substances.

Research shows that rye is more effective and helpful in weight loss than wheat. Rye can supply essential calories needed for the body and suppress hunger levels. So it is more beneficial and effective in helping weight loss than wheat. Rye also improves digestion, lowers insulin levels, reduces inflammation, and reduces heart diseases.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When you feel any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Consult your allergist immediately for diagnosis of your allergy. Your allergist will perform a skin prick test or blood test to confirm rye allergens. In most cases, he performs a quick blood test rather than a skin prick test. Tests are performed in approximately 10 minutes or less.

According to your test and the severity of your allergy allergist will prescribe medication. The diagnosis is done when medications are available. However, in case of an emergency, he may give these medications to you for instant relief.

You can control your rye allergy with the help of antihistamines. Antihistamines are used to control the symptoms caused due to allergies. Always choose the medicines that are prescribed by your specialist.

Allergy Shots are the most effective way to treat allergies in severe cases.

Avoid consuming and touching rye included products as a preventive measure. Stay away from similar protein structure items like wheat and barley. As a preventive measure check the ingredients in the daily used products.

Take proper medication if you notice a small rash on your body after consuming rye grains. Don’t feel bogged you can control it.

Conclusions

Rye allergy or cereal allergy is a common food allergy caused by the protein present in the rye. According to researchers, they found 23 proteins in the rye may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. The symptoms can resemble other food allergy symptoms.

Rye belongs to the Poales order of plants. So there may be cross-reactivity with other groups in the same group such as maize, barley, and wheat. It is always a good idea to contact a doctor as soon as the symptoms appear.

Do you have any additional questions regarding rye allergy? Do not hesitate and feel free to contact us, we are always willing for your guidance.