Chloramine-induced anaphylaxis while showering: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Dermatology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Chloramine-T, a chlorine derivative, is a widely used disinfectant.
• It's known to cause hypersensitivity reactions like asthma and occupational skin conditions.
• Anaphylaxis to chloramine-T has not been previously reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first case of anaphylaxis to chloramine-T.
• To investigate the causative role of chloramine-T in a severe allergic reaction.
• To raise awareness of chloramine-T as a potential allergen.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 25-year-old woman with no prior allergy history.
• Induction of anaphylaxis after topical application of chloramine-T solution.
• Positive skin prick test and quantified specific immunoglobulin E antibodies to chloramine-T.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced generalized urticaria, angioedema, vomiting, and collapse after chloramine-T exposure.
• Skin testing confirmed hypersensitivity to chloramine-T.
• Specific IgE antibodies to chloramine-T were detected.

Conclusions:

• A clear cause-effect relationship was established for chloramine-T-induced anaphylaxis.
• Chloramine-T should be considered a potential cause of anaphylaxis of unknown origin.
• This finding is significant given the widespread use of chloramine-T as a disinfectant.