Successful prophylaxis of wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis with terfenadine

Abstract

A 20-year-old female was brought to our emergency unit with generalized erythema and discomfort induced by running after having eaten wheat bread. The laboratory examinations, including eosinophils, total IgE, RAST score to wheat, heat challenge test and methacholine inhalation test were within normal limits. No anaphylactoid responses occurred after provocation tests of wheat bread intake or exercise alone. However, on provocation exercise test after eating pancakes, she developed hypotension, generalized itching and urticaria associated with an elevation of plasma histamine levels. These findings suggested wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. This was completely prevented by daily administration of terfenadine 120 mg p.o. without side effects such as fatigue or drowsiness. © 1995, The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine. All rights reserved.