Potassium benzoate may sound like a harmful chemical, but you may be surprised that it is commonly used in many packaged foods and beverages. Potassium benzoate is a preservative that inhibits the growth of mold to provide a longer shelf life for food products. As with any chemical, you may develop an allergic reaction to this preservative. If you develop any adverse reactions after eating or drinking foods or beverages that contain potassium benzoate, contact your doctor for further testing.
Allergy
An allergic reaction to potassium benzoate occurs if your immune system accidentally identifies the substance as a threat to your body. Allergic reactions are caused by a malfunction of your immune system to recognize this substance as safe for consumption. Because your immune system mistakes the substance for an invader, it triggers the body to produce antibodies, histamine and other disease-fighting chemicals in the body, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The introduction of theses chemicals cause inflammation and common food-related allergy symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Most allergic reactions related to an ingested substance cause similar signs and symptoms. Your digestive system is affected, causing cramping, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Your sinuses may become inflamed, leading to sinus headaches, nasal drainage and postnasal drip. Asthmatic signs and symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Your skin may become inflamed and break out in hives or eczema. Allergic reaction symptoms in the skin typically cause severe itching.
Testing
Because sodium benzoate is in so many products, your doctor may recommend allergy testing to identify and confirm the allergic reaction to the substance. A sample of your blood is taken and sent to a lab, where a sodium benzoate is introduced into the blood sample. If the chemist notices that your blood creates immunoglobulin E antibodies, you will be diagnosed with an allergy, according to MedlinePlus. If the chemist doesn't observe the presence of these antibodies, your symptoms may be a negative side effect of the substance, unrelated to an allergy.
Treatment
The only effective way to completely prevent symptoms from forming if you're allergic to sodium benzoate is to avoid consumption of the substance. Read the ingredients of every product you consume before ingesting the product. Eat fresh foods that you can make yourself to ensure the absence of this ingredient. If you accidentally ingest sodium benzoate, take an oral antihistamine for general symptom relief and call your doctor immediately.
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