If you have sulfonamide allergies, you are unlikely to respond to sulfites of onions and garlic, and vice versa. Sulfonamide allergy is mediated by the immune system. The sulfite reaction occurs because your body is reacting with sulfite metabolites called sulfur dioxide. Although people may have a sulfite reaction, it is not clear whether this is a true allergic reaction or some other reaction. No specific sulfite allergic antibodies have been found.
Onions and garlic contain a sulfur compound called sulfite. (Photo: piyathep / iStock / Getty Images) Sulfonamides
Sulfonamides or sulfonamides are compounds called beta-aminobenzoic acid Derivatives. Some antibiotics contain sulfonamides; these are often referred to as sulfonamide antibiotic integrated circuits. Bactrim and Septra contain sulfamethoxazole, while erythromycin contains sulfisoxazole. Azulfadin is used to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis, and contains sulfasalazine. Dapsone is another sulfa antibiotic used to treat leprosy, dermatitis and certain types of pneumonia. There are other types of sulfonamides that are not antibiotics.
Allergic reactions
Your immune system protects you from viruses, bacteria and toxins. Food allergies occur because your body's immune system mistakenly believes that a substance is harmful. Your immune system produces antibodies and histamine that cause rashes, urticaria, nausea, vomiting, or a life-threatening reaction called an allergic reaction. For children, the most common food allergies and adults are fish, peanuts, shellfish or nuts, and allergies to onions, garlic and other foods may also occur.
Onions, Garlic and Sulfur
Onions and garlic contain sulfur, giving them a unique flavor. When you cut onions, sulfur compounds can cause your eyes to tingle, and when their tissues are cut, bitten or crushed, the plants secrete them. The sulfur compounds in onions and garlic are called sulfites. These highly irritating chemicals kill microorganisms and drive out insects; Eric Bl, author of "Garlic and Other Alliums: Knowledge and Science"Dr. Ock said that prolonged exposure to garlic can cause blisters on the skin.
Cross Sensitivity
Cross Sensitivity When you are allergic to something and will respond to it, this happens in the same way as other similar or identical food families. If you are allergic to crabs, you may also be allergic to shrimp. If you are allergic to Bactrim or Septra, you may also be responsive to erythromycin because they are all sulfa drugs. Sulfonamides and sulfites are different chemicals with no cross-sensitivity between the two.
Notes and Warnings
Allergy symptoms can be very unpleasant and allergies can be life threatening. If you have allergies, you should avoid using harmful substances. Always advise healthcare providers to be allergic to drugs or food, but even if you are allergic to sulfa antibiotics, you should be able to eat onions and garlic. If you have questions or concerns about allergies, food or drugs, please consult a health car professional.
