If you suffer from a barley allergy or think you might have a barley allergy, then you need to know the symptoms. Barley is a grain that is found in many different foods and can cause a wide range of allergic reactions. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 barley allergy symptoms that you need to be aware of.
1. Rash or hives
Allergic reactions to barley can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as hives (urticaria). Hives are little red raised bumps on the skin that are usually itchy. Dermatitis (eczema) may also develop which causes dry, inflamed, and itchy patches of skin.
2. Itchy lips, tongue, or throat
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is an allergic reaction in the mouth caused by consuming certain types of food, like barley. Common symptoms include itching or tingling around the lips or throat shortly after eating foods you are allergic to.
3. Nausea and vomiting
Allergies to barley can sometimes make you feel nauseous or even throw up. nausea and vomiting are signals from your body telling you that it does not agree with the food and would like to purge what you have ingested.
4. Shortness of breath
If someone has an allergy to barley, it can make cause breathing problems after being exposed to the allergen. They might feel like they can’t take in enough air or even struggle to breathe.
5. Runny nose and sneezing
Barley grass allergies can make your nose runny and make you sneeze. Although sneezing and a runny nose are more commonly associated with seasonal allergies, consuming food you are allergic to can also cause these symptoms.
6. Abdominal pain or cramps
A food allergy to barely wheat can cause cramps due to the body’s reaction to certain proteins found in allergenic foods. When someone with a food allergy eats something they are allergic to, their immune system creates antibodies that release chemicals such as histamine into their bloodstream. This reaction can cause inflammation and swelling in the digestive tract, leading to abdominal discomfort.
7. Diarrhea
People with food allergies often experience diarrhea as a symptom due to the immune system’s reaction when exposed to certain allergens. Diarrhea or watery stools are an indication that your body is working to flush something out of its system.
8. Coughing
Barley allergies can cause coughing. When there is an allergic response in your body, you may produce more mucus in your nasal passages. This mucus will typically drain down the back of your throat, which might cause you to cough.
9. Skin swelling
Swelling of the skin is a possible barley allergy symptom. According to NHS Inform, the proper term for this condition is allergic angioedema. Allergic angioedema is when the tissue of the skin has a build-up of excess fluid, causing the skin to become swollen.
10. Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. It involves the whole body and can cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, hives or rash, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or fainting, and even death if not treated immediately.
Learn more about barley allergies
Think you might have a barley allergy? check out Barley Allergy: What You Need to Know.
Maybe there is a certain food that is sparking these allergy symptoms, see if Barley Allergy: What Foods to Avoid can help out!