Sesame Seed Allergy:
A Killer On The Rise
A sesame seed allergy is not very predominant in numbers at this time in the United States per the Food and Drug Administration but in many other parts of the world, this allergy ranks a close third behind cow's milk allergy and egg allergy. Many practicing physicians though believe a sesame allergy has much higher numbers than has been diagnosed. Many people, especially children, have been diagnosed with a peanut or tree nut allergy when current testing procedures can not differentiate the sensitivities to sesame seeds. Like a peanut or tree nut allergy, anyone suffering from this allergy must keep a high level of safety precautions in force because this allergy does have the capability of leading to a severe anaphylactic reaction. What Is It?The sesame seed comes from a plant above the ground which grows approximately 3-4 feet high. After harvesting, the seeds are generally crushed to a paste and used most frequently in the fast food and snacks industry. Hamburger buns, bread sticks, bagels and crackers are the end result before they hit the store's shelves.Other Common Uses Of This SeedAlong with the fast food and snack industry, these seeds have infiltrated into many other areas in the last decade. Caution therefore must be taken when anywhere around:- sesame oil is used for cooking, substitute peanut oil for general cooking
- many cosmetics, hand and body lotions and facial creams
- bar soaps and body wash
- common pet food ingredient
- halvah, hummus, and tahini are all foods made from sesame. Avoid these if the name is on the label.
- margarine
- pharmaceutical drugs
- also the close relatives of the sesame seed include poppy seeds, kiwi fruit and hazelnuts. Close attention must be taken until you have confirmed these are safe for you also.
The biggest industry though in the United States which requires the largest quantities of seeds is the McDonald's hamburger bun. Symptoms Of A Sesame Seed AllergyMuch like the signs of a peanut or nut allergy, often the reported symptoms include hives, eczema, wheezing (asthma-like symptoms), stomach pains, redness and irritation of the eyes and swelling around the face and throat area. This last symptom is a dangerous sign of anaphylactic shock. Immediate medical assistance is required to prevent a complete blockage of all air passages.Parents are therefore urged, after a diagnosis of peanut or tree nut allergy and your child still seems to show unexplained symptoms, have your child tested by a licensed allergist. Unfortunately, because of a lack of valuable precise testing results, often the only way to test is by actually ingesting the seed. This test can only be performed at the doctors or allergist's office. Never attempt this at home. Emergency medical procedures must be in place in case of any adverse food reactions.
Return to "Types of Allergies" from "Sesame Seed Allergy".
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*Disclaimer*
This site is not intended to replace the advice and supervision of your professional medical treatment plan. Although all of the information is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, we still recommend you carefully check all food labels before consuming any food product. We can not assume any legal responsibility for any illness obtained while following the advice contained on this site.
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