Sulfite preservatives can trigger allergies, what are the symptoms?

Food allergies are usually caused by eggs, nuts, or meat. However, did you know that this allergic reaction in the form of red, itchy skin, and a rash that appears can also be caused by sulfite preservatives?

What is a sulfite preservative allergy?

Sulfites are chemical preservatives commonly used in packaged food and beverage products, such as wine and beer. This preservative is added to processed foods so that they can be stored longer. Some drugs also use sulfites so that the color does not fade quickly.

In the past, sulfites were also used in fresh fruit and vegetables. However, some severe cases of allergies due to sulfites make it banned from use in fresh fruit and vegetables.

Even so, sulfite preservatives are still used in other food ingredients such as potatoes, shrimp, and raisins.

Sulfites can trigger allergic reactions similar to food allergies, especially in people with asthma. Therefore, you need to be careful when buying packaged foods.

Symptoms of a sulfite allergy

Basically, allergic reactions triggered by sulfite preservatives are the same as symptoms of a food allergy, namely:

• digestive problems, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting
• allergies to the skin, such as redness, itching, and a rash
• respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest tightness
• feeling weak all the time
• face looks pale and often feels anxious

If left untreated, allergies to sulfites can lead to anaphylactic shock. Although this condition is rare, please note that this condition is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

The good news is that allergies to preservatives are quite rare when compared to other food allergies. However, you still need to be vigilant when buying certain foods, drinks, and medicines, especially if you have asthma.

Foods and medicines containing sulfite preservatives

In order to avoid allergic reactions that are quite annoying, you need to know what foods and medicines contain sulfites. Here are some types of foods and medicines that are preserved with sulfites.

Foods and beverages with sulfite content

Sulfite preservatives are commonly found in fermented foods, such as Parmesan cheese and mushrooms. In addition, there are other types of food and drink that contain sulfites, including:

• grapes, cider and olives,
• bottled drinks and beer,
• sausages and burgers,
• processed tomato sauce, as well
• dried fruits.

Meanwhile, fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products and other types of fresh food are usually considered sulfite free.

Medicines containing sulfites

Apart from food, sulfites are also added to several medicines, both over-the-counter and prescription. Generally, sulfite preservatives are in drugs prescribed for vomiting and other drugs, namely:

• EpiPen which contains epinephrine,
• bronchodilator drugs to treat asthma,
• ointments and eye drops, such as dexamethasone and prednisolone, as well
• other injectable drugs, namely hydrocortisone, amikacin, and metaraminol.

If you have asthma or are worried that sulfites might trigger an allergic reaction, avoid these foods and drinks.

Diagnosis of a sulfite allergy

If you experience the symptoms mentioned, you should immediately consult a doctor. If your doctor thinks you have a specific allergy, he or she will perform a number of food allergy tests, such as a skin test and a food test.

Testing for food allergies that are suspected of being allergens is done by ingesting small doses of sulfites under a doctor's supervision. If there is no reaction, the amount of sulfite will be increased until a safe exposure level is reached.

If symptoms appear, the doctor will immediately give anti-allergic drugs to relieve the reaction they are experiencing.

Meanwhile, a skin test is also conducted to test for sulfite sensitivity. This procedure will place the allergen on the surface of the skin and the area will be punctured. If symptoms of a skin allergy appear, it means you may be allergic to sulfite preservatives.

How to deal with sulfite allergies

Just like other types of allergies, allergies to sulfites can be managed to prevent an allergic reaction from appearing. The main key to overcoming and preventing food allergies is avoiding the triggers.

In addition, don't forget to always read the composition of the food and drink to be purchased. For people with asthma, try to always carry the prescribed medication with you, especially when eating out, just in case.

Sulfite preservative allergies are more common in people with asthma. However, that does not mean that everyone who has a history of asthma is also allergic to sulfites. We recommend that you consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment.