There is a new type of food allergy that only now is starting to be recognized- sesame allergies. According to new research, sesame allergy is fast becoming a significant problem, not just in America but worldwide.
An article in this month’s issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology says that hypersensitivity to sesame is the fourth most common allergy among Australian children, after egg, milk and peanuts.
Another study of Israeli children revealed that sesame allergy is the third most common food allergy, after allergies to egg and cow's milk.
And now, sesame allergies seems to be affecting kids here in the U.S. in increasing numbers.
For Janise Tejata, food is one big allergy reaction. She’s allergic to seafood, nuts, tomatoes, rice, corn and a host of other common food substances, making it very hard for her to enjoy a meal unfettered. One of the foods Janise is allergic to is sesame.
Researchers at Michigan State University found a significant increase in the number of reports of hypersensitivity to sesame since it was first reported in the United States in 1950.
Dr. Clifford Bassett, an allergist at Long Island College Hospital, says, “I have seen a 50-100% increase in the number of people testing positive for sesame seeds, particularly in people that are regularly eating foods that contain them. We think it’s directly related to the consumption of sesame and sesame oil and other foods that may contain bakery products.”
Most of the cases appear as serious cases of anaphylaxis: a sudden, severe, allergic reaction. “I break out into hives, especially on my face. Bumps form on my lips and I develop an itchy throat,” comments Janise.
It can also cause different types of skin reactions because of the oils in the seeds coming in contact with skin.
The most common food allergy is dairy allergy, followed by eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and other nuts, wheat and soy.
It’s believed sesame allergies are now the ninth most commonly occurring allergies. The problem is sesame seeds are everywhere, on bread, in salad dressing, and sesame is used extensively in Asian cooking.
And, there is some crossover between sesame allergies and other nuts and seeds.
“Sesame seed can be found in a variety of products and the individuals consuming them may not realize it. For example, since sesame oil is a cooking oil, sesame may be found in fried foods or processed foods. And of course if they are eating Middle Eastern food they should assume if they are probably being exposed to sesame, since it’s very common and prevalent.”
The only way to know if someone has a sesame allergy is to be tested specifically for sesame allergy. And if tested positive, the individual needs to carefully read the food labels.
But even savvy patients like Janise sometimes get caught accidentally eating sesame. “I know to stay away from them, but if it’s in the food and that I happen to eat, then I have a reaction.”
Experts say eating out with a sesame allergy is very dangerous because of the risk of cross contamination. Sesame seeds can "jump" easily from one plate to another. Also, there are always new products being created with newly processed ingredient names.
Your allergist should be able to provide you with a complete listing of ingredients that may indicate sesame protein, thus enable you to protect yourself if you have a sesame allergy.
For more information, go to: http://www.acaai.org/public/linkpages/Sesame_Allergy.htm