Do I Have A Sesame Allergy?

Do you have any signs or symptoms immediately after or within an hour of eating sesame-containing food (e.g. tahini, hummus, breads, bread sticks, burger buns, salads, cereal (health) bars, or falafel)?

Do you have a skin rash after using creams or lotions that contain sesame oil?

Do you have hives (“nettle” rash) or swelling, especially around the face?

Do you have flushing in your face?

Do you have itching inside your mouth or an itchy throat?

Do you cough or have a hoarse voice?

Do you have abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting?

Do you have diarrhea?

Do you have difficulty breathing?

Do you feel dizzy or do you feel like fainting?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a sesame allergy. A sesame allergy is a type of food allergy that occurs after consuming sesame seeds. The immune system overreacts to sesame proteins leading to an allergic reaction. This type of allergy has become more common over the last ten years, affecting one in a hundred people. The higher frequency of allergies to sesame can be explained by the growing number of products that contain sesame seeds or sesame oil due to their nutritional properties. Sesame oil is also an ingredient in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, as well as skin lotions.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a sesame allergy. A sesame allergy is an allergic reaction to sesame-containing food. The symptoms usually appear immediately after or within an hour of eating food containing sesame seeds. Sometimes a person may develop a skin reaction after using lotions or creams that contain sesame oil. People with allergies to sesame are often allergic to peanuts and tree nuts at the same time. Before making any dietary changes, it is necessary to consult an allergist. A diagnosis is based on a characteristic reaction after contact with sesame-containing products, a physical examination, skin and blood tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a sesame allergy. A sesame allergy is an allergic reaction to sesame seeds or sesame oil. In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild, while about 15 percent of people will have a more serious reaction that includes breathing problems. A more severe form of allergic reaction is common in people who already have poorly controlled asthma. There is no cure for sesame allergy. You should avoid products that contain sesame. Your doctor will prescribe medications to manage your allergic reaction, which should be available to you at all times.