Sesame is used in many cuisines. The nutty flavor and crunchy texture make it a staple of many dishes from India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. But for some people, even a small amount of sesame can be deadly.
Have you ever asked yourself if sesame should be classified as a major food allergen? If it's true, then people would need to take drastic measures to avoid coming into contact with anything containing sesame - right?
In this article, I will answer the question: Is sesame considered a major allergen? I'll discuss why it deserves that label and provide useful tips for managing allergies associated with sesame.
What is an allergen?
An allergen is defined as any substance, usually found in food or the environment, that can cause an adverse reaction in some people. Allergens are typically proteins and therefore don’t break down easily in the body. Common allergens in food products include dairy products, eggs, wheat products, and certain nuts like peanuts and tree nuts.
Allergens can be found all around us - from pet dander to pollens and molds to insect stings, dust, and tobacco smoke. Some people may also have severe reactions when exposed to certain drugs or chemicals. Symptoms vary from person to person but can range from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Common Major Food Allergens
Food allergies are very common and can range from mild to severe. The most common food allergens include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish, wheat, and soybeans. But there are others that cause allergic reactions too. Sesame is one example that often isn't included in the major allergen list but should be given the consideration it deserves.
Sesame Allergy
Sesame is considered a major allergen and is one of the eight most common allergens in the world. It is found in many food products and medicines, as well as other consumer items such as cosmetics and soaps. Other common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews), fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat, and soy. Those who have food allergies must take steps to avoid these ingredients whenever possible.
For people with suspected sesame allergies, their doctor may recommend a skin prick test or blood test to confirm the allergy. If a sesame allergy is confirmed, then those affected maintain an extremely strict dietary regimen to avoid any foods that contain sesame or are processed in environments where sesame allergen is present.
Sesame Allergy Symptoms
When it comes to food allergies caused by sesame, the symptoms can vary greatly depending on the individual and the severity of their allergy. One of the major signs of a sesame allergy is a skin rash. This rash, also called hives or urticaria, appears as small bumps or patches on the skin and can often be accompanied by itching. Swelling and redness can also occur in areas that have been exposed to sesame.
Additional common symptoms of a sesame allergy include difficulty breathing or wheezing, nausea and vomiting, coughing, chest tightness, nasal congestion, and dizziness. People who are allergic to sesame may also experience anaphylaxis in severe cases which can lead to a rapid heart rate and low blood pressure.
It's important for anyone who suspects that they may have a sesame allergy to seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms are present. Skin tests or blood tests can be conducted to diagnose an allergy. With proper diagnosis and treatment from a doctor, individuals with this serious condition can manage their symptoms safely.
Sesame Allergy Diagnosis
When it comes to a sesame allergy diagnosis, the best course of action is to discuss with your doctor what steps they think are necessary. Most doctors will advise individuals to keep a food journal, alerting them of any reaction that might occur after eating sesame.
Some physicians also recommend doing specific tests or skin prick tests. A skin prick test involves putting a small amount of the suspected sesame allergen onto the surface of the skin and waiting to see if there's any kind of reaction, such as red patches on the skin.
If the risk of anaphylaxis is present, then individuals may be required to undergo a blood test screening for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies which can help detect any allergic responses in the body(though these are not always reliable). Ultimately though, determining if one is allergic/sensitive to substances like sesame requires vigilant tracking, testing, and consultation with experienced healthcare professionals.
When reading food labels make sure you check for the list of ingredients and which among them are potential allergens like sesame as it is found in many processed foods as well as Asian cuisine dishes like hummus and some grains used in bread or other baked goods. It's best to take caution around any food ingredients or product containing sesame ingredients even if you don’t have a known history of allergic reactions to it - just in case!
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan
Food allergies can be serious and cause mild to life-threatening reactions. It is important for those with food allergies, as well as their caregivers and teachers, to have a Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan (FAACT). This plan will help ensure that everyone involved in the person's care knows what to do if they experience an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
The FAACT plan should include identifying information about the individual, such as name and age; medical history; diagnoses; listing of known allergies and severity of reactions; treatment recommendations including medications such as epinephrine; emergency contact information; physician contact information; and instructions for how to respond in the case of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. The plan should also provide guidance on how to avoid allergens including sesame, as well as instructions for understanding labels on packaged food items. Having this information readily available in one centralized location can save lives in the case of an emergency.
To learn more about your food allergies and treatment options, contact a Philadelphia ENT specialist today.
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