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Updated: May 5, 2026
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Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
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Sensitivity to ingested metabisulfites in asthmatic subjects
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|July 1, 1981
Summary
Asthmatic patients experienced wheezing after consuming potassium metabisulfite (K2S2O5). Oral challenges confirmed K2S2O5 sensitivity, suggesting it may be misdiagnosed as food allergy.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition.
- Food allergies are common triggers for allergic reactions.
- Sulfites are preservatives used in foods and beverages.
Observation:
- Four asthmatic patients reported severe wheezing and anaphylactoid reactions after consuming restaurant foods/drinks.
- These reactions occurred shortly after ingestion.
- Patients' symptoms mimicked typical food allergy presentations.
Findings:
- Single-blind oral challenges with potassium metabisulfite (K2S2O5) induced asthmatic responses in sensitive patients within 15-30 minutes.
- Laboratory tests did not reveal specific IgE antibody responses to K2S2O5.
- In vitro histamine release from peripheral basophils was not observed.
Implications:
- Potassium metabisulfite (K2S2O5) sensitivity may be an underdiagnosed cause of asthma exacerbations.
- Asthma symptoms triggered by sulfites might be misidentified as food allergies.
- Clinical history and oral K2S2O5 challenges can help identify sulfite-sensitive asthmatics.
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