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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Frequently Asked QuestionsThis document has been developed by ASCIA, the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA information is based on published literature and expert review, is not influenced by commercial organisations and is not intended to replace medical advice. For patient or carer support contact Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia or Allergy New Zealand.This document uses spelling according to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved terminology for medicines (1999), in which the terms sulfur, sulfite, sulfate and sulfonamide replace sulphur, sulphite, sulphate and sulphonamide.ASCIA PC Sulfite Sensitivity FAQ 202498.90 KBQ 1: What are sulfites?Sulfites release sulfur dioxide gas (SO2), which is the active component that helps to preserve some foods, drinks and medications. Sulfites have been used throughout history to preserve food flavour and colour and inhibit bacterial growth. Low levels of natural sulfites are also found in many foods.Q 2: What types of adverse reactions are caused by sulfites?Asthma symptoms are the most common adverse reactions caused by sulfites:About 5-10% of people with asthma can get wheezing, chest tightness and cough.Symptoms are more likely when asthma is poorly controlled.Adverse reactions to sulfites can still occur even when someone has never had asthma.Sulfites can also cause intolerances which are not allergies, but can sometimes be confused with allergy. Intolerances may cause symptoms such as wheezing in people with asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and urticaria (hives).In very rare cases, it is possible that sulfites may have caused anaphylaxis, the most severe type of allergic reaction. Many of these reactions have been found not to be anaphylaxis or they have been caused by triggers other than sulfites. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include flushing, fast heartbeat, wheezing, hives, dizziness, stomach upset and diarrhoea, collapse, tingling or difficulty swallowing.Q 3: What causes adverse reactions to sulfites?The causes of adverse reactions to sulfites can vary:Inhaling SO2 may cause the airways to narrow. This may be why people can get rapid onset of symptoms when drinking beer or wine, as they would inhale SO2 when drinking.Some people with asthma may not have enough of an enzyme, called sulfur oxidase that helps to break down SO2.Other causes are yet to be fully understood.Q 4: Is sensitivity to sulfites a different condition from sulfonamide antibiotic allergy?Allergic reactions to sulfonamide antibiotics are very different to sulfite sensitivity. To read more go to www.allergy.org.au/patients/drug-allergy/sulfonamide-antibiotic-allergy.Q 5: Do people who react to sulfites need to avoid sulfates or sulfur?People who react to sulfites do not need to avoid sulfates or sulfur. Some medications have a sulfate component (such as morphine sulfate), and most soaps and shampoos contain compounds such as sodium lauryl sulfate. These do not cause reactions in sulfite-sensitive people. Elemental sulfur which is
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