Sesame Seed Allergy

Hypersensitivity type may be- Type I Allergy
Immune reactions may be from- IgE
Reactions may occur in- Minutes

Sesame Seeds are tiny and extensively used in the food industry in a variety of forms (scroll below to see the some common places it can be found in). Over the past decade they have grown in emergence as a more common allergen that can cause an allergic reaction.

An allergy caused by the protein found in Sesame, having a Sesame Seed allergy may also mean an allergy to other seeds such as Mustard Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Rapeseeds, Flaxseeds, Poppy Seeds and Pine Nuts (considered a seed).

SESAME SEEDS are one of the 10 most common food allergens in Australia, that all together account for 90% of food allergies in Australia.

SYMPTOMS

Some of the symptoms may be characterised by:

• Itching sensation
• Skin redness
• Trouble swallowing
• Rhinitis
• Conjunctivitis
• Swelling of the lips
• Contact dermatitis
• Urticaria/ Hives
• Difficulty Breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Asthma aggravation
• ANAPHYLAXIS

The validity and severity of these symptoms are dependent on the individual and the level of exposure, as determined by a qualified health care provider.

TREATMENT

If you experience or are in the presence of someone that encounters an immediate serious reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, swelling, collapse, etc), call or have someone call triple zero (000) immediately.

In the case of a minor allergic reaction, people may use Antihistamines along with other medications based on their individual symptoms and prescribed treatments.

For severe allergic reactions Epinephrine may be used, followed by seeking emergency medical attention. However, some people may not be able to use Epinephrine due to particular reasons.

It’s important for anyone with an Allergy, to discuss treatments with a qualified health care provider to understand how to manage individual allergies and also to set up an Allergy Action Plan in the case of a reaction.

Always present your Allergy Card, Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace to ensure health care providers, family members, friends, colleagues and others are aware of your Allergy or Allergies.

TESTING

A skin prick test may be used to test for a Sesame Seed Allergy.

LABELLING

Some labels or terms you may come across on Sesame Seed Allergy friendly products:

"Sesame Seed Free" "No Sesame Seed" "Sesame Seed Alternative"

RANDOM ALLERGY FACT

Do you remember "Open Sesame", the magical password that opened the entrance to the cave in Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves? This is a reference to that fact that ripe sesame seeds burst from their pods with a sharp POP!!

WHERE YOU MAY COME ACROSS SESAME SEEDS

The below is not a complete list, but just some of the places you may come across Sesame Seeds:

• Aqua libra
• Benne
• Benniseed
• Bread sticks
• Breads
• Burger buns
• Canola oil
• Cereal bars
• Cereals
• Cottonseed oil
• Falafel
• Gingelly seeds
• Gomasio or gomashio
• Granola products
• Grapefruit seed oil
• Halva or halva
• Health bars
• Hummus
• Hummus
• Margarine
• Pasteli
• Pumpkin seed oil
• Rice cakes
• Salad dressings
• Salads
• Sauces
• Seed oil based cosmetics
• Sesame
• Sesame oil
• Sesame seed
• Sesamol
• Sesomolina
• Sim sim
• Soups
• Sunflower oil
• Tahini
• Tahini or tahina
• Til
• Veggie burgers

The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.

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ARE THERE ANY OTHER PLACES YOU HAVE COME ACROSS SESAME SEEDS? HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH A SESAME SEED ALLERGY OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW