The Symptoms of Allergies to Sesame Oil

If you’re taking sesame oil in supplement form and you develop adverse reactions, stop using the oil and call your doctor. Sesame seed allergies are on the rise in the United States and they have been included by Canada and the European Union as a highly allergic food 1. Symptoms from an allergic reaction to sesame oil will depend on whether you ingested the oil or used it on your skin. Report all of your symptoms to your doctor.

Respiratory Symptoms

After you consume sesame oil, you may develop respiratory complications from an allergic reaction. Asthma is a common symptom that can form within minutes of consuming sesame oil. Asthma symptoms include:

• difficulty breathing
  
• shortness of breath
  
• wheezing
  
• coughing
  
• chest tightness
  
• pain in the chest

You may also develop sinus congestion, which can cause

• sinus headaches
  
• runny nose
  
• facial tenderness
  
• postnasal drip
  
• sinus pressure

If you cannot breathe, call 911 for emergency medical attention.

Digestive and Cardiovascular Symptoms

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Ingesting sesame oil if you’re allergic to it will cause digestive and cardiovascular symptoms to form along with respiratory symptoms. These symptoms are caused by increased production of histamine in the lining of your small intestines that causes swelling and inflammation. Cardiovascular symptoms include lightheadedness, dizziness, a drop in blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. These symptoms may be a sign of anaphylaxis and need to be reported to your doctor immediately.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic skin condition that occurs when your skin comes into direct contact with sesame oil. If you apply sesame oil to your skin and you notice redness, inflammation and irritation, stop using the product. This allergic reaction is topical and will only cause symptoms in the area of the skin that’s exposed to the sesame oil. Blisters will form that are itchy and will spread if scratched. Treat this condition by cleansing the affected area with soap and water and applying hydrocortisone.

Treatment

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The most effective treatment is to clinically identify that sesame oil causes an allergic reaction in your body and then avoid exposure to the allergen. Sesame oil may be used in many Asian food products, tahini, crackers and some desserts. Read the product labels of all foods before you consume them to ensure the food is not made with sesame seeds 1.