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Oral tartrazine challenge in childhood asthma: effect on bronchial reactivity
Insights
Tartrazine sensitivity in asthmatic children was assessed. Oral tartrazine ingestion increased bronchial reactivity in some children, indicating a potential method for detecting sensitivity to this food additive.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Food Science and Technology
Background:
- Asthma affects many children, and certain food additives can trigger symptoms.
- Tartrazine, a common yellow food dye, has been anecdotally linked to adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sensitivity of asthmatic children to tartrazine.
- To evaluate bronchial reactivity changes following tartrazine ingestion.
Main Methods:
- Ten children with asthma and a history of reactions to orange drinks were enrolled.
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study administered oral tartrazine (1 mg) or placebo.
- Histamine inhalation challenge tests measured bronchial reactivity (PC20) before and after ingestion.
Main Results:
- Four out of ten children showed a significant increase in histamine sensitivity (PC20) after tartrazine ingestion.
- No significant changes in baseline lung function were observed.
- A higher dose (10 mg) of tartrazine did not elicit a response in non-responders.
Conclusions:
- Oral tartrazine challenge can reveal heightened bronchial reactivity in sensitive asthmatic children.
- Assessing changes in bronchial reactivity is a sensitive method for detecting tartrazine sensitivity.
Abstract:
Ten asthmatic children who gave a history of cough or wheeze after orange drinks, were tested for tartrazine sensitivity. On separate days, either oral tartrazine (1 mg) or a placebo capsule were administered double blind. Bronchial reactivity was measured before, 30 and 60 min after ingestion by means of a histamine-inhalation challenge test. There was no change in baseline lung function after tartrazine, but histamine sensitivity (PC20) increased significantly in four of the children. No response was obtained to a larger dose of tartrazine (10 mg) in four of the non-responders. Alteration in the bronchial reactivity after an oral challenge, appears to be a sensitive means of detecting tartrazine sensitivity.