Sulfites or sulfate agents are preservatives commonly used in various medications and foods. Take note that sulfites have been utilized for centuries, mostly as food additives but can also occur naturally in certain foods such as wines and fermented beverages.
Close look on sulfite allergy
Sulfite causes minimal or no issues at all in most individuals who do not have asthma and allergies even if large amounts are consumed. On the other hand, sulfites are known to aggravate the asthma symptoms in some asthmatics, especially adults with the severe disease.
Based on several studies, it revealed that some individuals with asthma can experience severe symptoms while eating foods or beverages that contain sulfites or even inhaling sulfite vapors or fumes.
There is limited information about hives or swelling and even anaphylaxis as a result of sulfite exposure, but a number of cases have been reported in which the ingestion of foods or beverages that contain sulfite resulted to severe allergic reactions. Take note that some of these individuals even had positive skin tests to sulfites which indicates the presence of antibodies to the preservative.
In some individuals, they experience severe reactions from medications that contain sulfites including inhaled medications and intravenous drugs. These reactions typically include hives, flushing and diminished lung function as a result of the medications given.
Diagnosing sulfite allergy
At the present, there is no reliable, commercially available skin test for sulfite allergy. In most cases, the diagnosis is suggested by a history of adverse reactions after consumption of foods or medications that contain sulfites.
Nevertheless, for the diagnosis to be confirmed, the allergist will perform an oral metabisulfite challenge on an individual suspected with the allergy.
Why are sulfites added to food?
It is important to note that sulfites are added to foods, beverages and even medications for various reasons such as the following:
- Slows down the browning of vegetables, fruits and seafood
- Reduces the spoilage by bacteria
- Utilized as conditioning of dough used in pizza crusts and frozen pie
- Inhibits the growth of bacteria during the fermentation process of wines
- Provides a bleaching effect for hominy and maraschino cherries
In the previous years, sulfites were added to fresh foods in grocery stores and restaurants to prevent browning. The increasing cases of reactions led to the banning of the use of sulfites in fresh foods.
Why are sulfites added to medications?
Sulfites are added to certain medications due to its antioxidant properties as well as preventing the browning of medications. It is important to note that sulfites are added to injectable epinephrine to prevent browning which reduces the overall effectiveness of the drug.
On the other hand, epinephrine has not been reported to trigger adverse reactions among individuals with sulfite allergy and must not be withheld during an allergic emergency. Remember that injectable epinephrine can help save the life of an individual experiencing anaphylaxis.
Some inhaler solutions utilized in treating asthma contain sulfites, although many asthma medications have had sulfites removed due to safety issues. Individuals with sulfite allergy must avoid medications that contain sulfites except injectable epinephrine.