Two articles have been provided on the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) website to alleviate the confusion between sulfite and sulfonamide allergies. Sulfites used as preservatives in some drinks, foods and occasionally medications can cause allergy-like reactions (intolerances), asthma symptoms such as wheezing in those with underlying asthma, hay fever-like reactions, urticaria (hives) and very rarely, anaphylaxis.

Sulfonamide antibiotics can also cause allergic reactions, ranging from mild to severe rashes through to anaphylaxis.

Many people wrongly assume that to be “sulfur allergic” means they will be allergic to multiple sulfur-containing medicines or sulfite preservatives. In fact, allergic reactions to sulfonamide (sometimes called ‘sulfur’) antibiotics do not increase the likelihood that a person will also be allergic to sulfur powder, sulfite preservatives, or non-antibiotic sulfonamide medicines like some pain killers or diuretics.

The articles can be accessed via the ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au/content/view/242/76/