Sulfite Allergy: More Than a Red Wine Headache
What Is a Red Wine Headache?
A red wine headache (RWH) is a painful headache often coupled with vomiting or nausea that occurs as quickly as 15 minutes after consuming a single glass of red wine. Considered to be a syndrome, no one knows the cause of RWH, although there are many theories.
At one time, sulfites were blamed. But white wines can actually contain more sulfites than red wine, and no one complains of headaches after drinking Chardonnay. Then it was thought that tannins were the cause of headaches. Tannins cause the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has been proven to trigger headaches in people suffering from migraines. But that doesn’t explain why non-migraine sufferers get RWH. And tannins are also found in chocolate, tea and soy, but they aren’t blamed for headaches. Another possible culprit is histamines, which can result in an allergic reaction and headache for people missing a certain enzyme. According to a study published in the February 2001 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, there was no difference in reactions to “low” and “high” histamine wines. Yet another theory is that prostaglandins—substances linked to swelling and pain—may cause RWH. Some researchers think it could be a certain strain of bacteria or yeast that causes RWH, and some believe it’s a combination of multiple reasons.
What Are Symptoms of a Sulfite Allergy?
Sulfites occur naturally in foods or may be added as a flavor enhancer or preservative. This group of sulfer-based compounds can cause reactions varying from mild to severe (life-threatening). An allergy can develop at any time in a person’s life for no known reason. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that 1 percent of the popluation is sensitive to sulfites and banned sulfites on any vegetable or fruit eaten raw in 1986. The FDA also requires that any manufacturer adding sulfites clearly state so on the label.The only way to avoid a reaction is to avoid any product containing sulfites, either added or naturally occurring.
Symptoms of a sulfite allergy can include asthma, swelling, hives and even anaphylaxis. For people with a sulfite allergy, a reaction can be caused from eating and drinking sulfite-containing foods and beverages or even just inhaling sulfite vapors.
If you suspect you may have a sulfite allergy, an allergist can confirm it by performing an oral test involving close monitoring while being given increasing amounts of sulfites to swallow. If you show a measurable decrease in lung function, the sensitivity to sulfites is confirmed.
Which Foods and Drinks Contain Sulfites?
A wide variety of processed foods contain sulfites. Dried fruit, vegetable juices, soup mixes, baked goods, molasses, gravies and many condiments–the only way to know if these products contain sulfites is to become an avid label reader. Look for these ingredients: sodium bisulfite, sodium misbisulfite, sodium sulfite, potassium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite or sulfur dioxide. Sulfites also occur naturally during the fermentation process in making beer and wine.
Remember that there is no cure for a sulfite allergy. The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid all foods and beverages containing sulfites.
References
“Red Wine Headache vs. Sulfite Allergy” https://www.beekmanwine.com/prevtopbd.htm
“Sulfite Allergy or Red Wine Headache?” https://www.cellaraiders.com/SulfiteAllergyorRedWineHeadache.php
“WebMD Allergies Guide” https://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/sulfite-sensitivity
“About.com: Allergies” https://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/a/sulfites.htm