What Are Sulfites?
Q: What are sulfites? Are they substances we need to be concerned about? When I buy a bottle of wine, it says, "contains sulfites." Are sulfites harmful?
A: Sulfites are a commonly used preservative found in foods, alcoholic drinks (especially wines), and even in medications. They are anti-oxidants that are often used in salad bars to prevent the lettuce from browning and on dried fruits to prevent them from becoming very dry and stiff.
About 1% to 2% of people will have an allergic reaction to sulfites, which can consist of nasal congestion and sneezing, skin hives, or wheezing and difficulty breathing. People who have asthma and/or allergies to aspirin are particularly sensitive to sulfites and could even have a serious anaphylactic reaction, in which there is severe swelling of the throat, tongue, and airway, which obstructs breathing.
At least four deaths caused by reactions to sulfites have been reported. Because sulfites are found in so many products, someone who has had a severe reaction should carry an emergency kit (similar to a bee sting allergy kit). One can be tested for sulfite allergy by skin testing or oral doses.
Article Created: 1998-07-23
Article Updated: 2004-10-07
"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
|
