Gluten is a protein found in wheat. It is a common food-related allergen, affecting more children than adults. Most children with a gluten allergy outgrow the condition by the age of 3, according to the Food Allergy Initiative. A gluten allergy causes common food allergy symptoms, such as hives, asthma, sinus inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. Treating a gluten allergy is limited because there is no cure for a food allergy. Talk with an allergist to undergo tests to determine the severity of the gluten allergy and proper treatments. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat the condition.
Avoidance
MedlinePlus states that avoiding foods containing gluten is the best treatment for a gluten allergy. The FDA requires all prepackaged food to contain the word "wheat" on the label if it contains wheat byproducts, according to the Food Allergy Initiative. Identify the different products and familiarize yourself with the different food ingredients that contain gluten or wheat. Some of the masked ingredients containing wheat are bread crumbs, bulgur, kamut and oats. Buy prepackaged foods that are certified gluten-free. These foods have been processed without the use of flours that contain gluten, such as rice or soy flour.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are useful if you experience minor allergy symptoms from gluten. Antihistamines can help reduce gluten allergy-related symptoms, such as nasal congestion and hives, according to MayoClinic.com. Most antihistamines are sold over the counter and are effective at reducing the amount of histamine in the body. FamilyDoctor.org states that there are two classifications of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation. First-generation antihistamines are known to be stronger and more effective but cause marked drowsiness because they suppress the central nervous system. Second-generation antihistamines are typically available in a 24-hour dose and do not cause drowsiness in healthy adults. Antihistamines will only help alleviate some symptoms of a gluten allergy. Talk with a doctor before using any over-the-counter drug.
Epinephrine
An epinephrine injection is an extreme treatment used for people with severe allergic reactions to gluten. Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylactic shock, a condition where the entire body experiences an allergic reaction, sending the body into a state of shock. Common symptoms of anaphylaxis are shortness of breath, a drop in blood pressure and a faint pulse. Epinephrine is a prescription drug and should be carried on a person with a known severe allergic reaction to gluten. Without a timely injection of epinephrine, the patient could die.
