Lupin Allergy

As little as 0.5 mg of lupin flour can cause lupin allergy symptoms. The symptoms of a first-time lupin allergy may range from urticaria, swelling around the lips, and vomiting, to severe anaphylaxis. They also include rhinitis, asthma, and conjunctival irritation, especially when lupin flour is inhaled in the workplace by a sensitized individual. Sensitization is observed in approximately one out of three workers in such industries.

Mechanism of Lupin Allergy

The components in lupin which cause allergy are α- and β-conglutins, with γ- and δ-conglutins contributing to a lesser extent. Lupin may present a new antigen which evokes a new allergy. However, all individuals who are sensitive to lupin flour do not have clinical allergies.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Lupin allergy is diagnosed using  medical history followed by skin tests and specific IgE testing. However, even the patch test can cause symptoms of allergy in people who are very sensitive to lupin. Children who have peanut allergy should be tested for lupin allergy as well. Prevention of lupin allergy requires avoidance of the ingestion or inhalation of lupin flour. Symptomatic treatment of the allergy with corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and eye drops may be required depending on the specific presentation.

References

• http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/8/1/55
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24529316
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19788021
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20937061
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20701610
• http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm409836.htm
• https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2004/181/4/lupin-new-hidden-food-allergen