Wheat anaphylaxis: what to know

Anaphylaxis is a rapid, serious allergic reaction that can affect breathing, blood pressure, skin, and the digestive system. After wheat exposure, signs may include wheezing, throat or tongue swelling, hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, widespread hives, repeated vomiting, dizziness, or collapse. Symptoms can involve more than one body system, but a severe breathing or circulation problem alone is enough to act. A previous mild reaction does not reliably predict the next reaction’s severity.

Use the prescribed adrenaline auto-injector without delay when anaphylaxis is suspected, then call emergency services and state that it is anaphylaxis. Follow your written plan, use a second device if instructed and symptoms persist, and keep the person lying down unless breathing is easier sitting. Do not allow them to walk around or drive. After recovery, arrange allergy follow-up, testing when appropriate, a written plan, and training for family, school, or workplace contacts.

Any wheat exposure followed by breathing difficulty, wheezing, throat tightness, faintness, confusion, marked weakness, or rapidly spreading swelling needs emergency action. Call for help even if the injection improves symptoms, because symptoms can return and monitoring may be needed. Do not wait for hives to appear, and do not treat suspected anaphylaxis with food or drink while the person is struggling to breathe.

Ask how to recognise your earliest warning signs, when to use each auto-injector, how to avoid hidden wheat, whether testing is needed, and how to document the emergency plan for travel and daily activities.