Baker's asthma related to soybean lecithin exposure

Allergy. 1994 Mar;49(3):159-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.1994.tb00819.x.

Abstract

We report two cases of soybean-lecithin-induced asthma in bakers. The patients experienced clinical symptoms in relation to an occupational exposure to this additive. Skin tests were positive with soybean lecithin, RAST showed a sensitization to soybean, and bronchial challenge tests were positive for a dilution of 10(-3) with this allergen. The same tests remained negative among healthy and asthmatic controls. Soybean lecithin, a common additive in bakery, must be added to the list of numerous aeroallergens involved in baker's asthma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Asthma / immunology*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Bronchial Provocation Tests
  • Cooking*
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Glycine max*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / immunology*
  • Occupational Diseases / physiopathology
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Phosphatidylcholines / adverse effects*
  • Phosphatidylcholines / immunology
  • Radioallergosorbent Test
  • Skin Tests

Substances

  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Immunoglobulin E