Sulphite allergy intolerance – causes, complaints & therapy

Causes

Mainly allergy causes an overreaction of the body to repeated contact with the triggering substance. The same occurs particularly in sensitive organs. Hypersensitivity reactions are often initiated following infections. In such cases, the body overreacts to allergenic substances, especially since it misunderstands them as pathogens.However, the allergy as such is not caused by pathogens. Basically, an allergy often occurs when serious diseases, for example cancer, are present. Certain medications can cause allergies. Harmful environmental substances are also often the trigger of allergic reactions. Such and similar conditions can adversely affect the organ system and thereby challenge the development of an allergy. A predisposition for allergies can occur genetically determined.

Symptoms and course

Typical symptoms:

• Nausea

• Headache

• Abdominal cramps

• Skin redness

• Itchy skin

• Numbness

• Shortness of breath

Above all, the sufferer expresses symptoms such as nausea, headaches and abdominal cramps. Redness, itchy skin and lightheadedness may also occur, depending on the intensity of the hypersensitivity reaction. Shortness of breath and a drop in blood pressure may also occur. If the allergy is severe, a fleeting increase in temperature can occur due to the defensive reaction. Usually, however, this does not occur in the course of the sulphite allergy.

With prolonged contact with the allergen in the sulfites, the symptoms worsen. They can occur sporadically, but also again through contact with sulfites. It is necessary to ask whether the person concerned is currently suffering from hypersensitivity reactions to other foods or other substances. If contact with the sulphites is avoided, the hypersensitivity reaction soon disappears. Chronic sequelae are not known. Although sulphite allergies can be averted by avoiding the allergy-triggering substance in the future, acute to life-threatening reactions can still occur with repeated ingestion into the body. These require hospitalization.

Diagnosis

Because this health disorder is a valid condition and not a symptom, the sulfite allergy should be viewed as a whole. At the beginning, the healer will record all relevant signs in an allergy-related patient consultation, including any significant health disorders and existing diseases. The examination is usually initiated in the doctor’s office or in a clinical outpatient clinic. A diagnosis of the disease will come about by examining the diseased skin areas and examining the digestive organs by the doctor. If necessary, a test for allergic reactions is made.

treatment and therapy

Typically, Antihistamines are used to treat the acute form of a sulfite allergy. Local antiallergic preparations, e.g. B. Cortisone ointments can also be used for skin changes. Avoiding the intake of sulphites through food is unavoidable because otherwise, despite the therapy, the allergy can reappear or become threatening. In any case, the sulphite allergy can be treated if substances that are equivalent to the allergen are avoided as a matter of principle, especially since cross-allergies, for example between wine and dried fruit, can also be present.

There are no permanent courses with consistent avoidance of sulfite-containing foods. In the course of strengthening the body, the patient’s healthy attitude towards life is essential. Excessive consumption of alcohol , Nicotine consumption and weight problems should be avoided. The biological age of the affected person is a relevant aspect in the course of the allergy, since the selection of the treatment and the drug should be geared accordingly.

Antiallergic preparations can also trigger allergies, so the drug must be selected carefully. Repellents are more likely to be avoided during an allergic reaction. Desensitization , in which the immune system is trained to deal with the allergen in question, is recommended if it promises to be successful . However, the same is expensive and is typically not reimbursed by statutory health insurance. A specific Diet without sulphites can eliminate the sulphite allergy.

Occupational risks that promote sulphite allergies, such as frequent contact with sulphites when sulphiting dried fruit, should be made harmless by protective measures such as the choice of food in the restaurant. Controversial treatments that are not paid for by health insurance can sometimes have the opposite effect. As a result, they should be used seldom. Support from family members, acquaintances or self-help organizations is also useful. Sometimes it can be beneficial to read up on the condition online.

Prevention

Avoiding substances containing sulfite can permanently prevent sulfite allergy. Ingredients are labeled on food. Vaccines against hypersensitivity reactions are not available because they would damage the immune system. Whether sulphites or similar substances are nevertheless present in other foods or medicines should be considered. Other antibiotics can generally be used for prevention if sulfites are not tolerated by the body. If the patient has an infection, a sulfite allergy should be mentioned to the doctor. Statutory health insurance companies in Germany usually pay all expenses due for the therapy of an allergy.