1.
Poppy seed allergy: a case report and review of the literature.
Keskin, O, Sekerel, BE
Allergy and asthma proceedings. 2006;(4):396-8
Abstract
Seeds of the poppy plant are traditionally used in bakeries, e.g., for garnishing bread or making cakes. Reports of allergic type I sensitivity to poppy seed are rare. According to the literature, severe reactions may occur, affecting mainly patients with allergy to pollens or nuts. We report on a 16-year-old boy who has developed erythema and angioedema, conjunctivitis, and dyspnea due to inhalation of poppy seed. Skin-prick tests were positive for poppy seed, hazelnut, and chickpea. The concentration of specific IgE for poppy seed, hazelnut, and peanut were 3.36 kU/L (class 2), 1.5 kU/L (class 2), and 6.17 kU/L (class 3), respectively. Allergic reactions associated with inhalation of food allergens have been reported for some foods but not for poppy seed. This is the first report on inhalative allergy to the poppy seed. Although poppy seeds are not commonly used, we underline the possible importance of such rare and often hidden sources of allergens, especially in patients with nut allergy.
2.
[A case of acute encephalopathy due to datura seed poisoning].
Kuwabara, T, Ohshima, K
Rinsho shinkeigaku = Clinical neurology. 2004;(6):355-8
Abstract
A 83 year-old-man presented with a stuporous state. He ingested datura seeds approximately 1.5 hour before the onset of the symptom. On arrival at our emergency clinic 2 hours and 40 minutes after the ingestion, he was semi-comatose with intermittent tonic convulsive seizures. The pupils were fully-dilated and unreactive, and salivation was decreased. He showed hypohidrosis and exaggerated deep tendon reflexes with positive Babinski's sign. His body temperature was 37.6 degrees C, and blood pressure was 167/99 mmHg. After gastrolavage and administration of charcoal and cathartics, his pupil became reactive to light, and he became alert gradually. His consciousness became clear 24 hours after seed ingestion and discharged with no residual neurological signs.