[Clinical aspects and diagnosis of sulfite intolerance. Apropos of 9 patients].

Abstract

We performed an oral tolerance test for potassium metabisulfite in 33 patients and discovered sulfite intolerance in 9. These 9 patients had rhinitis including 7 with asthma. Alcoholic beverages, especially champagne, were the triggering factors the most frequently found for respiratory manifestations. Alcoholic beverages triggered bronchial or nasal reactions in 7 patients out of 9 (rhinitis in 7, asthma in 2). As in a large number of published cases, sulfite intolerance was evidenced by respiratory manifestations in our patients. Exceptional anaphylactic reactions have also been reported. Respiratory intolerance to sulfites in uncommon. A nasal or bronchial reaction occurring within minutes following ingestion of alcoholic beverages is highly suggestive of sulfite intolerance as is the development of acute asthma after administration of sulfite-containing drugs. Diagnosis is confirmed by oral tolerance tests versus placebo. The only effective preventive measure is to eliminate food and drugs containing sulfites. Such measures are justified to prevent acute episodes of asthma.

• Authors: J Miltgen, C Marotel, F Natali, F Vaylet, P L'Her
• Journal: Revue de pneumologie clinique (Rev Pneumol Clin) Vol. 52 Issue 6 Pg. 363-71 ( 1996) ISSN: 0761-8417 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Aspects cliniques et diagnostic de i'intolérance aux sulfites. A propos de 9 patients.
• PMID: 9033929 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Sulfites
• metabisulfite

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Asthma (chemically induced, physiopathology)
• Drug Hypersensitivity (complications, diagnosis)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Sulfites (adverse effects)