Chlorophyll, a substance developed from plant biology photosynthesis, utilizes the energy of sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to create plant nutrients. Chlorophyll is a common additive in toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum and breath mints. It is a common ingredient in medications for constipation, bad breath, and wound healing. This plant base can cause allergic reactions when absorbed through the skin, or ingested.
Breathing Problems
According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, chlorophyll reduces bacteria in the stomach and mouth that can lead to halitosis. In some individuals, however, chlorophyll can cause inflammation in the esophagus, throat and lungs. PDR Health notes that chlorophyll may be an irritant and begin the inflammation process to rid the body of chlorophyll and protect other organs from contact. Breathing problems or tightness in the throat or chest are signs of an allergic reaction that require medical attention.
Skin Disorders
The same immune response reaction to chlorophyll to a lesser degree can cause skin hives, rash, pruritis or swollen skin. According to the University of Bristol School of Chemistry, one of the central minerals found in chlorophyll is magnesium, a photoreceptor. Magnesium may cause negative biochemical reactions to skin surfaces that defend against chemical reaction with hives, rash, itching or additional inflammation, as noted by PDR Health. This process allows the body at an initial skin cellular level to protect the larger skin organ and other metabolic processes from damage due to allergic reaction.
Chest Pain
Chest pain can occur for many reasons. As a side effect of chlorophyll use, however, this may signal an allergic reaction that requires emergency medical attention. Chlorophyll may cause breathing problems when absorbed into the skin or ingested, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library notes. Chest pain can then result from vasoconstriction of the blood vessels as well as airway constriction due to inflammation.
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