[Bronchial asthma and methemoglobinemia caused by milk allergy]

Bronchial asthma and methemoglobinemia due to the allergy on milk was described in 34-year old man. Very marked cyanosis with 15.3% methemoglobin, E--7.2, 272% hemoglobin, 52% hematocrit, severe form of bronchial asthma with PaO2--7.63 kPa, 89% saturation, PaCO2--4.46 kPa were found. Sternal and bone biopsy showed myeloproliferative disease. Allergy testing showed positive early and late reaction on milk. Serum IgE was 1670 mu/ml, RAST and precipitin test were positive on milk. Bronchoprovocation test on milk showed positive asthmatic reaction. After elimination of milk products from food all findings were soon normalised and the patient has not had bronchial asthma and cyanosis for two years now.