Sesame: Example of a common food allergy

Sesame

Food allergy to sesame seeds is becoming increasingly common in the Netherlands. One problem with this is that sesame seeds and their oil (sesame oil) are being used more and more.

Examples of ingredients and products that (may) contain sesame:

• sesame seeds;
• ground sesame seeds;
• tahini (hulled, toasted and ground sesame seeds);
• gomasio (sesame salt);
• sesame oil;
• buns;
• muesli balls;
• snacks;
• vegetarian dishes;
• falafel;
• salads;
• humus;
• sauces;
• dressings;
• snacks;
• helva;
• crackers;
• biscuits;
• muesli;
• stir-fry oil.

Sesame seed allergy symptoms: Sesame seeds can cause a wide range of reactions, from angioedema, skin complaints, respiratory complaints, gastrointestinal complaints to anaphylaxis. Sesame seed allergy is a nasty, severe allergy. The seed easily sticks to anything. Angioedema can occur all over the body, with localised fluid accumulation in the face in particular: under the eyes, on the lips and in the cheeks (cheek pouches). In the throat area, life-threatening glottisoedema may occur. This severely impedes breathing. Skin complaints may include:

• hives (urticaria) acute as well as chronic;
• hives; this is the most acute reaction with intense itching;
• Atopic eczema;
• fluid accumulation under the skin; when you draw lines on the skin, they remain visible.

Respiratory complaints manifest themselves as:

• inflamed nasal mucosa;
• Coughing or tickling cough;
• sneezing;
• audible or wheezing;
• tightness of the chest;
• mucus formation;
• asthma.

Symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract are manifested as:

• abdominal pain;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• colic or intestinal cramps;
• inflammations of the oesophagus, stomach lining;
• diarrhoea;
• constipation;
• sometimes phlegm or blood in stool.

Anaphylaxis, severe general reactions in the whole body, manifested as:

• initial tingling in mouth, throat, cheeks or tongue;
• Local hives (urticaria);
• Then reactions in many organs;
• often with predominant severe asthma;
• finally, a drop in blood pressure;
• shock.

Point of attention: 

• Flavourings may contain sesame oil.