Any one that knows me well will know that I suffer bad with asthma. Recently I read about sulphites and how they can affect asthma if you have an allergy to them. Unfortuntely 5-10% of people in Ireland who suffer with asthma also have an allergy to sulphites. I've put this post together to make people more aware and hopefully it will help.
Allergens
What is an allergen?
An allergen is any normally harmless substance that causes an immediate allergic reaction in a susceptible person. Food allergens are almost always proteins although other food constituents, such as certain additives, are known to have allergenic properties.
Food Allergens
A food allergy is an abnormal, exaggerated reaction of the immune system to certain foods. It involves the production of a specific kind of antibody which reacts to a particular food component and, in doing so, causes an allergic reaction.
What are Sulphites?
- these are a common additive in many foods and drugs. Sulphites also occur naturally in some foods
- Sulphur dioxide and Sulphites at concentrations of more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre are labelled as ‘SO2’. Sulphites include sodium sulphite, sodium bisulphite, potassium bisulphite and potassium metasulphite (E220-228).
- unfortunately 5 - 10 % of people with asthma are also allergic to sulphites.
- the combination of asthma and sulphites can be dangerous.
- if you have asthma and a sulphite allergy, eating foods or taking drugs that contain sulphites can be life threatening.
They are used as a preservative in many foods.
Sulphites can trigger asthma attacks.
Sulphites can be found in the following:
- Wine, beer and carbonated soft drinks
- Salads, fruits like pre-packed apricots, prepared vegetables
- Meat products like sausages and beef burgers
Sulphites is the general name for six specific substances
- sulfur dioxide
- sodium sulfite
- sodium bisulfite
- sodium metabisulfite
- potassium bisulfite
- potassium metabisulfite
As additives sulphites may doing many things
- they can prevent spoilage and preserve foods, by preventing the growth of mold and bacteria.
- they can stop fruits and vegetables and seafood from discolouration they can maintain the strength of common medications including some asthma drugs
- they can maintain the strenght of common medications including some athsma drugs!
Symptoms of a Sulphite Allergy
- hives
- trouble breathing
- drop in blood pressure
- dizziness
- flushing
Asthma and Sulphites
The combination of asthma and sulphites cab lead to anaphylactic shock. If this happens the airways can swell shut, making it difficult to breathe. As many as 5-10 % of sulphite reactions in people with asthma are fatal.
Avoiding the problems for asthma sufferers
Your doctor van tell you if you have a sulphite allergy with a test called a controlled sulphite challenge. If you have asthma and a sulphite allergy it can cause a reaction and asthma attacks so be careful when around them and try to avoid them at all costs.
Top Tips
- read labels and check for the sulphites listed above
- be careful with foods that commonly contain sulphites
- when you are out to eat ask the waiter if the food that you are ordering contains sulphites
- check with your doctor to make sure that the drugs you are taking dont contain sulphites
- always ALWAYS carry your inhauler with you.
If you have asthma and think you may have an allergy to sulphites dont be afraid to get a allergy test done by your doctor. You never can be too safe
Until next time.
Riadh X
