Sulfites

Chemicals called sulfites are mainly used as preservatives in food, drinks, and some medications. Additionally, they can be found naturally in some foods like aged cheeses and grapes.

Sulfites are added to foods like dried fruit to delay browning and to wine to prevent spoilage caused by bacteria. The majority of people can tolerate the sulfites found in food and drink, however, some people are sensitive to them. People with asthma are more likely to have sulfite sensitivity, though sulfites can also make people with no history of asthma. The following are typical signs of sulfite sensitivity: hives, swelling of the skin, stuffy nose, hypotension, flushing, diarrhea, wheezing, coughing,... In asthmatic patients with sulfite sensitivity, sulfites can even cause airway constriction, which in extreme situations, might result in life-threatening reactions.