How to Diagnose a Sulfite Allergy

A sulfite allergy can come on quickly

Used extensively to keep food from spoiling, sulfites have their place in today’s grocery supply. However, when a person allergic to sulfites eats food or drinks liquid containing the preservative, a dangerous reaction may occur. Observe the warning signs of a developing sulfite allergy in order to accurately diagnosis the condition.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Notice hives or nasal problems immediately after eating. Early symptoms of an allergic reaction to sulfites often start small and increase with repeated exposure. Hives may appear anywhere on the body but the most common area is the torso and throat. A stuffy nose or, alternately, a runny nose may accompany the reaction.

2. Pay close attention to the additional symptoms of either a frontal headache that develops soon after eating and a racing heart with accompanying chest tightness. At this stage, the allergic reaction warrants medical attention.

3. Expect the allergic reaction to sulfites to increase with subsequent exposure. Even if you’ve never been allergic before, you can develop sulfite sensitivity. Sulfites emit sulfur dioxide and once you have an initial reaction, the severity of your symptoms may increase with every subsequent exposure. Doctors estimate 5 percent of all people are allergic to sulfites.

4. Call for emergency help if the allergic reaction escalates into the symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Less common, but potentially fatal, a small percentage of those who suffer from sulfite allergies, will develop a severe anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms include throat constriction, heart pounding, nausea and sweating. This is an emergency.

5. Administer an injection of epinephrine from an emergency kit kept with you at all times if you know you are severely allergic to sulfites. Alternately, if you suspect a reaction is occurring, immediately take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to reduce the severity of the reaction.

Tips & Warnings

• Even one reaction to sulfites can signal a dangerous allergy. Since the preservative is commonly find in wine, beer, salad bar vegetables and even french fries, it's a good idea to keep an epinephrine kit with you at all times.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish