Angioedema Due to Lamiaceae Allergy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergology

Background:

• Lamiaceae family plants like sage, mint, and oregano are common culinary herbs.
• Allergies to Lamiaceae spices can cause significant allergic reactions, including angioedema.

Observation:

• A pediatric patient presented with recurrent angioedema after consuming foods containing Lamiaceae spices.
• Initial allergy tests for common foods and inhalants were negative.
• Oral food challenges confirmed allergies to oregano and mint, but not sage.

Findings:

• Skin prick tests showed cross-reactivity only to mint, not oregano or sage.
• Diagnosis of Lamiaceae allergy is challenging due to common cross-sensitivity.
• Oral food challenges are crucial for accurate diagnosis in suspected Lamiaceae allergy.

Implications:

• Spices from the Lamiaceae family should be considered potential triggers for allergic reactions.
• Clinicians should consider oral food challenges for diagnosing Lamiaceae allergies when skin tests are inconclusive.
• Increased awareness of Lamiaceae spice allergies is needed in clinical practice.