Anaphylaxis following ingestion of a psyllium-containing cereal
Article Abstract:
The case history is presented of a patient who developed anaphylaxis (an extreme allergic reaction) within an hour after eating a bowl of Kellogg's Heartwise cereal. The cereal contains psyllium, a mild laxative; some cereals now contain this agent, claimed to be cholesterol-lowering. The patient was treated in a local emergency ward after developing generalized itching, facial swelling, rapid heartbeat, tightness in the throat, and a cough. A drug to control allergic reactions was administered, and the patient recovered. Subsequent exposure of the patient's blood cells to Metamucil psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid indicated that an allergic response was triggered by the substance. Psyllium hypersensitivity is not uncommon, and has been reported among a large proportion of workers who are exposed to the product. The other psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid-containing cereal on the market is General Mills's Benefit. Kellogg's has received 18 reports of allergic symptoms after ingestion of Heartwise; General Mills has received 26 such complaints after ingestion of its product. Many (15) were nurses or nursing home workers exposed to psyllium dust on the job; the patient in the case report was also a nurse. Benefit now carries a warning regarding possible allergic responses; Heartwise merely lists psyllium as an ingredient (at the time of this report). While pharmaceutical companies that manufacture Metamucil (Procter and Gamble) and Fiberall (Ciba-Geigy), two psyllium-containing laxatives, are not allowed to advertise these products as cholesterol-lowering, the cereal companies have been allowed to do so. Physicians and consumers, especially nurses and pharmaceutical workers, should be aware of the potential allergic risk associated with ingesting psyllium. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Anaphylaxis and stinging insect hypersensitivity
Article Abstract:
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction to a foreign substance, usually a protein. Symptoms include hives, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, bronchospasm, shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhea. Affected individuals may go into shock. Drugs, foods and synthetic materials such as latex can cause anaphylaxis. As much as 5% of the population can have an anaphylactic reaction to insect bites and stings. Skin testing can determine the agent responsible for anaphylaxis. The treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine for severe reactions and antihistamines for mild ones. Individuals with respiratory symptoms should be treated with beta-agonists (bronchodilators) and oxygen. Corticosteroids can be given to prevent any late reaction. Venom immunotherapy may also prevent future reactions. This treatment involves injecting the individual with progressively larger doses of venom over a period of months.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Allergic rhinitis
Article Abstract:
A study presents the case of a college student affected by allergic rhinitis. Various approaches based on evidence are introduced, followed by an evaluation of formal guidelines and concluding with clinical suggestions.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2005
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