Cases of sesame seed allergy have increased drastically over the decades. Already, the European Union and Canada have included the sesame seed in the list of allergens. However the Food And Drug Development authority of the USA has not yet included the sesame seed in the list of allergens.
Both sesame seed and sesame seed oil are used extensively in the food processing industry (primarily in the baking industry). Nowadays, sesame seed oil is being used even in the pharmaceutical industry.
From as early as 1950, doctors and researchers started to monitor the allergic effects of sesame seed and its oil.
An authentic Australian study revealed that in Australia, sesame allergy among children ranked fourth after egg, milk and peanut allergies. An Israeli study reported that sesame was the third most common allergy-inducing food among Israeli children.
Symptoms of Sesame Allergy
Sesame oil used in ointments and cosmetics has been reported to cause dermatitis (skin inflammation and redness)
Workers in the food processing industry have been reported to be suffering from allergic asthma.
Even anaphylactic reactions (whole body allergic reactions characterized by swelling of the airways and difficulty in breathing) have been reported in sesame allergy cases.
The following are the important symptoms of Sesame allergy:
- Hives
- Itching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
It is true that more and more cases of sesame allergy are being reported every year. However, whether it is the actual increase or a resultant effect of improved detection measures needs to be ascertained before further conclusions are derived.
More research is needed for confirming the prevalence of sesame allergy. Your doctor is the best and the final judge in this regard.
More Information on Sesame Seed Allergy
Sesame seeds are generally used as garnishes on fast food. Sesame oil is used in cooking recipes and also in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Sesame allergy affects people of all ages.
More symptoms of Sesame Allergy:
- Symptoms of angioedema/urticaria
- Oral Allergy Syndrome
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Asthma
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Anaphylaxis, in severe cases
Allergy to Other foods
Sesame allergens have the same biochemical structure as peanut allergens. So, sufferers of sesame allergy can also be allergic to peanuts and vice-versa. In the same way, sesame allergy patients can also be allergic to poppy seed, kiwi, rye and treenuts such as pistachio, macadamia, cashew, black walnut and hazelnut. Therefore, people with sesame allergy should be careful while eating the above foods.
