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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffThe best treatment for wheat allergy is to avoid exposure to wheat proteins. Because wheat proteins appear in so many prepared foods, you'll need to read product labels carefully.
Drugs
- Antihistamines may reduce signs and symptoms of wheat allergies. These drugs can be taken after exposure to wheat to control your reaction and help relieve discomfort. Ask your doctor if a prescription or over-the-counter allergy drug is appropriate for you.
- Epinephrine (adrenaline) is an emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. If you're at risk of having a severe reaction to wheat, you may need to carry two injectable doses of epinephrine (such as EpiPen) with you at all times. A second pen is recommended for people with high risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis in case anaphylactic symptoms return before emergency care is available.
Emergency care
Emergency medical care is essential for anyone who experiences an anaphylactic reaction to wheat, even after receiving an injection of epinephrine. It's important to call 911 or your local emergency number as soon as the possible.
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- Tips to remember: What is anaphylaxis? American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatisanaphylaxis.stm. Accessed May 15, 2009.
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- Wheat allergy. Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=20&cont=519. Accessed May 15, 2009.
- Wheat — One of the nine most common food allergens. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/allerg/wheblee.shtml. Accessed May 21, 2009.
- Pourpak Z, et al. Which cereal is a suitable substitute for wheat in children with wheat allergy? Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. 2005;16:262.
- Morita E, et al. Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Journal of Dermatological Science. 2007;47:109.
- Brant A. Baker's asthma. Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2007;7:152.
- Food allergy: An overview. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodAllergy/PDF/foodallergy.htm. Accessed May 13, 2009.
- Tips to remember: Food allergy. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/foodallergy.stm. Accessed May 15, 2009.
