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Severe pepper allergy in a young child
Leslie Gimenez1, Michael Zacharisen
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA. lgimenez@mcw.edu
Summary
Pepper allergy in children is rare but can cause severe reactions. This case highlights a 17-month-old boy’s allergic response to cayenne pepper in a marinade.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Food Allergy Research
- Clinical Case Studies
Background:
- Spices, while enhancing food flavor, can trigger allergic reactions.
- Pepper allergy in children is infrequently studied.
- This report details a specific instance of pepper allergy in a pediatric patient.
Observation:
- A 17-month-old boy with eczema experienced immediate urticaria, conjunctivitis, facial swelling, and cough after consuming venison with a spice-rich marinade.
- Symptoms recurred with a less severe reaction after eating roast beef with the same marinade.
- Reintroducing venison without the marinade did not trigger symptoms, suggesting a specific allergen.
Findings:
- Skin tests confirmed positive reactions to cayenne and black pepper extracts.
- Specific IgE antibodies to cayenne pepper were detected (0.11 kU/L).
- Tests for other common allergens and marinade components were negative.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe allergic reactions to pepper in young children.
- Highlights the importance of identifying specific spice allergens in food-induced reactions.
- Suggests the need for increased awareness and diagnostic focus on pepper allergy in pediatric populations.
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