Wheat Allergy In Children – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
3. Food Challenge Test:
In this test, the pediatrician will ask your child to consume wheat-rich foods. Under supervision, the amount of wheat she consumes will go up while your doctor looks for allergic reactions.
How Is Wheat Allergy Treated?
The best way to deal with wheat allergy is to avoid consuming wheat proteins. But in case of an allergic reaction, your child may require the following treatment options:
1. Antihistamines:
Doctors prescribe antihistamines to reduce the intensity and occurrence of wheat allergy symptoms in children (6). It is a great option for treating symptoms like itchy skin and watery eyes.
2. Epinephrine:
If your child suffers from a severe reaction, she might need Epinephrine. She will need to take a shot of the medication. Make sure your kid carries at least two injectable doses of epinephrine at all times. In fact, it is a good idea to give a spare dose to your kid’s school authorities (7).
3. Emergency Care:
As mentioned before, if your child suffers from anaphylaxis, go to the ER. Yes, even after you use epinephrine.
What Else Can You Do?
Here are some tips that can go a long way in keeping your child safe and preventing the reactions from occurring in the first place!:
1. Keep People Informed:
If your child goes to daycare, make sure her caregivers know about her allergy. If your child goes to school, talk to the principal and teachers about your child’s condition. Keeping people informed will enable them to deal with a medical emergency. You can also provide the epinephrine to your child’s daycare or school authorities. Also, teach her caregivers and school staff how to give the shot.
2. Make Your Child Wear A Bracelet:
It is a good idea to gift your child a medical bracelet that explains her medical condition and how to deal with an emergency. A simple step, but this can enable even strangers to offer help.
3. Read Labels:
If you have a child with a food allergy, shopping can be a chore! Wheat protein is everywhere! So make sure to read labels and avoid foods that can contain potential allergens.
4. Avoid Wheat:
Does the thought of banning wheat from your kitchen make you panic? Don’t worry! You can cook amazing meals, without using a single wheat-ingredient! You can consult wheat-free cookbooks or websites for recipes.
[ Read: Allergy Free Recipes For Kids ]
5. Dine Out, But Be Careful:
Dining out is not completely ruled out due to wheat allergy! But yes, you need to be careful. Always tell the restaurant you are dining at about your kid’s allergy. Don’t hesitate to ask about all the ingredients in a particular dish.
The best thing about wheat allergy is that most kids outgrow it by the time they are five. And even if they don’t, wheat allergy can be kept under control with a little care.
So, arm yourself with knowledge about wheat allergy in kids! You can beat it!
Does your kid have a wheat allergy? Do share your experience with us in the comments section below!
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