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The effects of soft-drink preservatives on asthmatic children
Insights
Sulphites in foods and drinks trigger asthma in susceptible children. Awareness and avoidance of these preservatives are crucial for managing childhood asthma effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy
- Respiratory Medicine
- Food Science
Background:
- Sulphites are common food preservatives, particularly in beverages.
- Asthma affects 5-10% of children, with some experiencing attacks triggered by sulphites.
- Children at an allergy clinic showed a high prevalence of sulphite sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of sulphites as asthma triggers in children.
- To inform medical professionals about sulphite sensitivity in pediatric asthma.
- To emphasize environmental modification and avoidance in asthma management.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of children attending an allergy clinic.
- Assessment of patient history for triggers.
- Identification of sulphite-containing beverages.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of asthmatic children in the study were sensitive to sulphites.
- Sulphites were identified as a common precipitating factor for asthma attacks.
- A list of common soft drinks containing sulphites was compiled.
Conclusions:
- Medical personnel must counsel parents on sulphite avoidance for asthmatic children.
- Environmental control, including dietary modifications, is key to asthma therapy.
- Increased awareness of sulphite sensitivity can improve asthma management in children.
Abstract:
Sulphites, used extensively as preservatives in foods and soft drinks, are known to precipitate asthma attacks in 5-10% of susceptible children. Among children attending the Allergy Clinic at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, many were found to be sensitive to sulphites. The basis of asthma therapy is modification of the environment and avoidance of precipitating factors. Medical personnel counselling parents of asthmatic children should be aware of this factor. A list of soft drinks containing sulphites and other preservatives is included.