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Buckwheat flour hypersensitivity: an occupational asthma in a noodle maker
1Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University, School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Summary
Occupational asthma and rhinitis can result from inhaling buckwheat flour. This study identified specific IgE antibodies and multiple allergenic components in buckwheat flour, confirming its role in allergic reactions.
Area of Science:
- Occupational medicine
- Allergology
- Immunology
Background:
- Limited reports exist on occupational allergies from buckwheat flour inhalation.
- This case study investigates occupational asthma and rhinitis linked to buckwheat flour exposure.
Observation:
- The patient exhibited allergic responses to common environmental allergens like grass and ragweed pollen.
- A bronchoprovocation test revealed an immediate asthmatic reaction upon exposure to buckwheat flour extracts.
Findings:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected specific IgE antibodies against buckwheat flour in the patient's serum.
- Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and electroblotting identified eight IgE-binding components (9-55 kDa) in buckwheat flour extracts.
Implications:
- Inhalation of buckwheat flour can trigger IgE-mediated bronchoconstriction.
- This highlights the potential for buckwheat flour to cause occupational allergic respiratory diseases.