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Buckwheat allergy: a potential problem in 21st century Britain
David Sammut1, Patrick Dennison, Carina Venter
1Allergy & Immunology Department, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, Hants, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 8, 2012
Summary
Buckwheat allergy, though common elsewhere, is emerging in the UK. Two adult cases presented with severe reactions, highlighting the need for increased awareness of this food allergy.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Clinical Immunology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Buckwheat is a globally consumed pseudocereal, increasingly available in the UK.
- Buckwheat allergy is documented in Europe and Asia, often linked to regional diets.
- No prior adult cases of buckwheat allergy in the UK were reported in medical literature.
Observation:
- Two adult patients in the UK presented with allergic reactions to buckwheat.
- Case 1: A 57-year-old man experienced anaphylaxis after consuming buckwheat flour bread.
- Case 2: A 63-year-old woman developed bronchospasm and urticaria from buckwheat-containing muesli.
Findings:
- Both patients showed positive skin prick tests and specific IgE antibodies to buckwheat.
- Clinical presentation included severe systemic reactions like anaphylaxis and respiratory symptoms.
Implications:
- Buckwheat allergy is likely to increase in the UK due to the rising popularity of buckwheat in various food products.
- Healthcare professionals should be vigilant for buckwheat allergy in patients presenting with unexplained allergic reactions.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic capabilities for buckwheat allergy are necessary in the UK.
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