A case of anaphylaxis to curry powder in childhood

Abstract

Introduction Allergic symptoms caused by spices are infrequent and usually mild. Anaphylaxis to curry powder is a rare case of spice allergy. To our knowledge, this is the first case confirmed anaphylaxis to curry powder in child in Korea. Methods and results A 15-years-old boy visited in our hospital. He complained that when he ate curry and rice in two months ago, he developed immediate palatal itching, generalized urticaria, headache and dyspnea. His chest radiographs are normal findings. He had no history of asthma but methacholine provocation challenge test revealed positive finding (PC 20 3.62mg/ml). Skin prick tests revealed positive findings to asparagus, house dust mite (Dp, Df), flower pollens (aster, chrysanthemum, golden rod), weed pollens (mugwort, ragweed, dandelion, short ragweed). Specific IgE to Dp, Df, soy bean was positive (6.52, 31.2, 1.91 U/ml) and his total IgE was 1207 U/ml (CAP system). After informed consent, we performed oral provocation test to confirmed relationship between his symptoms and curry powder. He ate curry powder 20g with only water and we measured his PEFR per 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, he developed profused sweating and dyspnea. When we treated with epinephrine and bonchodilator, his symptoms improved. He developed same symptoms after 2 hours later and his symptoms well controlled by same medication. Conclusion This is the first case confirmed anaphylaxis to curry powder in child in Korea.