Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
- Your child should be in good health before commencing the challenge. If they have a cold or flu, delay the challenge until they are feeling better, or if they have eczema, wait until it is at its clearest. Choose a time of the day when you are able to monitor/observe your child closely
- Do not give your child any antihistamines before or during the challenge days (e.g. Piriton syrup, Zyrtec) unless a reaction occurs, as these may hide or delay reactions
- Continue to give your child any other medication that they usually take.
- Introduce one of the foods as outlined in table.
- Try to give the recommended challenge food in one go rather than spreading it out over the day
Gluten is the protein found in rye, barley, oats and wheat.
The re-introduction of gluten is usually used to determine whether your child needs to be gluten free or wheat free.
Suitable foods to use for the gluten challenge:
Barley
Squash that contains barley
Rye
Rye bread
Crackers that contain rye
Oats
In the form of porridge/ flapjack
This can be followed by the wheat challenge
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Stage 1-6 of a Gluten Challenge |
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Stage 1 |
Place a touch of the food on the child’s mouth |
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Stage 2 |
Give your child a ¼ teaspoon of the food |
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Stage 3 |
Increase to ½ teaspoon of the food |
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Stage 4 |
Increase to 1 teaspoon of the food |
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Stage 5 |
Increase to 2 teaspoons of the food |
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Stage 6 |
Increase to 1 tablespoon of the food |
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Then: Double the dose until a normal portion of the food has been given. If there has been no reaction, your child should be able to manage wheat freely. |
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Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.
About this information
Service:
Dietetics
Reference:
DT/126
Approval date:
1 June 2026
Review date:
1 June 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.