Effectiveness of disodium cromoglycate in food-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis: a case report

An 18-year-old girl experienced anaphylactic reactions three times and frequent urticaria with exercise after meals that included wheat. Allergy evaluation showed a strong prick test reaction to wheat, and RAST score was 2 for wheat. Exercise provoked a decrease of FEV1 of 7.4% and increase of plasma histamine with no symptoms. Exercise after eating wheat provoked an FEV1 decrease of more than 18.7%, further increase of plasma histamine, urticaria and mild dyspnea. Oral administration of disodium cromoglycate before ingestion of bread and exercise challenge caused a maximal FEV1 increase of 6%, no increase of the plasma histamine, and no symptoms.