A case of mint flavor-induced anaphylaxis in an asthmatic patient.
- Author:
Yu Jin SUH
1
;
Sun Sin KIM
;
Hong Suk LIM
;
Soo Keul LEE
;
Young Mok LEE
;
Dong Ho NAHM
;
Hae Sim PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea. hspark@madang.ajou.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
anaphylaxis;
asthma;
mint flavor
- MeSH:
Adult;
Anaphylaxis*;
Asthma;
Bronchoconstriction;
Cromolyn Sodium;
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay;
Humans;
Immunoglobulin E;
Male;
Mast Cells;
Mentha*;
Menthol;
Premedication;
Skin
- From:Journal of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology
2002;22(1):137-141
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
There are few reports on aggravation of asthma by mint flavor although it is a common ingredient of many products. A 40-year-old male patient with aspirin-sensitive asthma experienced anaphylaxis after using a gargle that contained mint flavor. Skin prick tests and ELISA for serum specific IgE to mint showed negative responses. Challenge tests with mint oil and menthol were positive and the immediate bronchoconstriction was completely inhibited by premedication with cromolyn sodium. These findings suggest that mast cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of mint-induced asthma or anaphylaxis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of mint-induced anaphylaxis. It is important to alert physicians to the possibility of aggravation of asthmatic symptoms or the development of anaphylaxis by mint flavor.
