Sulfite hypersensitivity. A critical review
Sulfiting agents (sulfur dioxide and the sodium and potassium salts of bisulfite, sulfite, and metabisulfite) are widely used as preservatives in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Within the past 5 years, there have been numerous reports of adverse reactions to sulfiting agents. This review presents a comprehensive compilation and discussion of reports describing reactions to ingested, inhaled, and parenterally administered sulfite. Sulfite hypersensitivity is usually, but not exclusively, found within the chronic asthmatic population. Although there is some disagreement on its prevalence, a number of studies have indicated that 5 to 10% of all chronic asthmatics are sulfite hypersensitive. This review also describes respiratory sulfur dioxide sensitivity which essentially all asthmatics experience. Possible mechanisms of sulfite hypersensitivity and sulfur dioxide sensitivity are discussed in detail. Sulfite metabolism and the role of sulfite oxidase in the detoxification of exogenous sulfite are reviewed in relationship to the etiology of sulfite hypersensitivity. 147 references.
- Research Organization:
- New York Univ. Medical Center, NY
- OSTI ID:
- 6326304
- Journal Information:
- CRC Crit. Rev. Toxicol.; (United States), Vol. 3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ASTHMA
ETIOLOGY
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SENSITIVITY
SULFITES
METABOLISM
TOXICITY
SULFUR DIOXIDE
AIR POLLUTION
BRONCHI
INGESTION
INHALATION
REVIEWS
CHALCOGENIDES
DISEASES
DOCUMENT TYPES
INTAKE
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR OXIDES
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
550900 - Pathology