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Anaphylactic reactions to sunflower seed
I G Axelsson1, E Ihre, O Zetterström
1Department of Clinical Immunology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Allergy
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Inhalation of sunflower seed allergens from bird feed may cause severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. This allergy is uncommon, but sensitization is high in atopic individuals exposed to pet birds.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Sunflower seeds are a common component of bird feed.
- Exposure to airborne allergens can lead to sensitization.
Observation:
- Four patients presented with hypersensitivity to sunflower seeds.
- Three patients experienced anaphylaxis, and one developed chronic bronchial asthma.
- All patients had a history of keeping cage birds fed with sunflower seeds.
Findings:
- Inhalation of airborne sunflower seed allergens is a probable route of sensitization.
- Specific IgE testing (RAST) showed a low prevalence of sunflower seed allergy in the general atopic population (3/84 patients).
- However, atopic individuals exposed to cage birds showed a high sensitization rate to sunflower seed allergens (79% skin prick positive, 21% RAST positive).
Implications:
- Highlights a potential occupational or domestic hazard for bird owners.
- Suggests a need for increased awareness of airborne allergens in avian environments.
- Underscores the importance of considering inhalation as a sensitization route for food allergens.