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Sesame seed food allergy
Ilan Dalal1, Michael Goldberg, Yitzhak Katz
1Pediatric Allergy/Immunology Unit, E. Wolfson Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Holon, Israel. ilandalal@hotmail.com
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
|May 22, 2012
Summary
Sesame seed food allergy (SFA) affects an estimated 0.1-0.2% globally. Diagnosis based solely on sensitization may lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and increased SFA risk.
Area of Science:
- Food allergy research
- Immunology
- Public health
Background:
- Reports of sesame seed food allergy (SFA) have risen globally in recent years.
- Accurate prevalence data is limited by a lack of robust prospective studies.
- SFA awareness may be increasing alongside a potential genuine rise in cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of sesame seed food allergy (SFA).
- To assess the diagnostic criteria and potential risks associated with SFA diagnosis.
- To provide insights into the clinical significance of SFA.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and available data on SFA.
- Estimation of SFA prevalence based on current evidence.
- Analysis of diagnostic approaches, including sensitization criteria.
Main Results:
- Estimated SFA prevalence is 0.1-0.2% in relevant populations.
- SFA prevalence is comparable to persistent cow's milk allergy.
- A significant proportion of SFA cases present with anaphylaxis, highlighting potential severity.
Conclusions:
- Current diagnostic methods, particularly relying on sensitization alone, may be insufficient and potentially harmful.
- Unjustified dietary elimination based on sensitization can increase SFA risk.
- Further research is needed for accurate SFA diagnosis and management.
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