What Are the Treatments for a Chocolate Allergy?

Chocolate is made of several different ingredients that may trigger an allergic reaction. While the primary ingredient of chocolate is cocoa, chocolate also contains milk, soy, gluten, corn syrup, nuts, fruits and various additives. It is common for people with a chocolate allergy to have a reaction to one or more of these ingredients. If you are diagnosed with a chocolate allergy, it is best to avoid eating it. Chocolate allergy can be treated with antihistamines, bronchodilators and corticosteroids, and epinephrine.

Symptoms

• Chocolate allergy symptoms are similar to those caused by other food allergies. Headache, hives, skin rash, heartburn, blurred vision, rectal itching and difficulty breathing are common symptoms of chocolate allergy.

Diagnosis

• Chocolate allergy is rare---people are typically allergic to the ingredients found in chocolate. Your doctor will perform a range of blood and skin tests to determine if you are allergic to chocolate.

Antihistamines

• Use antihistamines to treat itching, watery eyes, sneezing and skin irritations caused by chocolate allergy. Antihistamines can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor.

Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

• Chocolate allergy can trigger respiratory conditions such as asthma. Use bronchodilators and corticosteroids to relieve wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing.

Epinephrine

• Epinephrine provides immediate relief for more severe reactions to chocolate allergy and various other allergies. Keep it in an auto-injector and use as soon as severe allergy symptoms appear. This medication prevents shock.