Are you also worried about sesame allergy? (Sesame Allergy) Let's find out exactly about this!

Sesame seeds are very close to our food, right? Not only in delicious dishes like kevum, mung kevum, aluwa and tala guli, sesame seeds are sometimes added to chutneys and sauces. But for some people, even this delicious sesame seed can be a big problem, that is, it can cause a serious allergy. Today we are talking about this sesame allergy that many people have, but do not know exactly.

What exactly is a sesame allergy?

Simply put, a sesame allergy is when your body's defense system, the immune system , mistakenly identifies the food sesame as something harmful to the body and starts fighting against it. This fight is the result of which we experience the symptoms of an allergy .

This is one of the most common food allergies in the world today. For some people, it can last a lifetime. However, about 20% - 30% of children who develop this allergy in childhood outgrow it by the age of 6. However, sometimes a new sesame allergy can develop in adulthood.

What are the symptoms of this allergy?

The symptoms of a sesame allergy can vary from person to person. Some people may experience very mild symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms. These symptoms usually begin within a few minutes of eating something containing sesame. However, they can sometimes appear as late as two hours.

Sometimes, a sesame allergy can lead to a very serious, even life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis . This is when the immune system suddenly releases a large amount of chemicals into the bloodstream. This can cause the entire body to go into shock. Remember, don't just assume you had a minor reaction before. The next time you get sesame, there's a good chance you'll have a serious reaction.

Why do we get allergies like this?

Our immune system has soldiers called antibodies. Their job is to protect us by identifying and fighting germs that enter the body. In the body of someone with a sesame allergy, this immune system mistakes a harmless food called sesame for a big enemy.

Then, a special type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced. The next time you eat a sesame seed or a drop of sesame oil, these IgE antibodies signal the immune system to release a lot of chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream. These chemicals are what cause inflammation in places like the skin, eyes, lungs, throat , and digestive tract, causing the symptoms we discussed earlier.

Scientists still don't know exactly why this happens to some people, but it may be hereditary. Also, if you already have other food allergies, hay fever, or eczema, you're more likely to develop a sesame allergy.

How do you know for sure if you have an allergy?

If you have these symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor, rather than just deciding, "This could be a sesame allergy. " The doctor will examine you, ask about your family medical history, and order some tests if necessary.

• Skin Test: Here, a very small amount of sesame seeds is placed on the skin of your hand or back and a small needle is used to prick it. This allows a small amount of the protein from the sesame seeds to penetrate the skin. If you have an allergy, the area will turn red and swell like a small blister within a few minutes.
• Blood Test: Here, a sample of your blood is taken and the amount of IgE antibodies produced against the allergens are measured.
• Oral Food Challenge: Sometimes, the two tests mentioned above may not be accurate. Then the doctor can refer you to this test. This is the most accurate way to confirm an allergy. But this is done only under the full supervision of a doctor, in a hospital. Because in case of an emergency, all the facilities are there to treat it. What is done here is to feed you a very small amount of sesame seeds, gradually increasing the amount, and carefully observing whether there is a reaction.

How to treat and manage?

There is no cure for this yet. The best and only thing to do is to completely avoid eating or using anything containing sesame. But what if you accidentally ingest sesame seeds? You need to be prepared for that.

Your doctor will give you a document called an "allergy action plan." It clearly states what are minor symptoms, what are serious symptoms, and what to do in each case.

• For a minor reaction: You can take an antihistamine pill prescribed by your doctor.
• For a severe reaction (Anaphylaxis): Your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector pen for use in this situation. This is something you should keep with you at all times.

Things to consider when living with allergies

Sesame is something that can be hidden in many more foods and other products than we think.

Be careful with food and drink.

Read the label of any packaged food you buy from the store carefully. Now, according to the law, if it contains sesame, it must be clearly stated on the label. However, older products may not have this information.

When you go to a restaurant, clearly tell the waiter or chef about your sesame allergy. Also ask if the food contains sesame or if the utensils used for it (cross-contact) are used for it. When you go to someone's home, to a party, or to a party, don't be shy about asking if the food contains sesame. Your life is worth more than that. If in doubt, avoid the food.

Be especially careful with these foods.

Not just food, these things can also contain sesame!

Some of the things you use may also contain sesame oil. Be aware of this as well.

• Some medications
• Nutrition supplements
• Cosmetics and beauty products (soap, lipstick, moisturizer)
• Perfume
• Pet food

Check to see if the label says Sesamum indicum (the scientific name for sesame).

Sesame Allergy, Allergies, Allergy Symptoms, Anaphylaxis, Anaphylaxis, Food Allergies