DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am allergic to both penicillin and sulfa. My concern is about sulfa. My hands and finger swell up when I take sulfa medications. This concerns me because I have heard that I shouldn’t drink wine because it also contains sulfa and will cause a similar reaction. I like to drink an occasional glass of wine, usually white but sometimes red. Should I refrain from this so I don’t have an allergic reaction?

DEAR READER:
You have, in essence, already answered your own question. If you have continued to drink wine without a reaction, you are fine. But the issue goes deeper.

It is a strong urban myth that those allergic to SULFA drugs are also allergic to the SULFITES in wine. This is not always the case. Rarely a person will be allergic to both but it is highly unlikely.

Sulfa is a compound of sulfur. Sulfur is essential to the body’s amino acids (the building blocks of DNA). To the best of my knowledge, no one is allergic to sulfur, per se. Rather it is the proteins and compounds it can create within the body. Therefore it is possible to be allergic to sulfa but not sulfites or other sulfur containing compounds.

According to www.WebMD.com, it is estimated that one out of 100 people has a sensitivity to sulfites but in most cases it is so minor that it doesn’t adversely affect health. The same sulfites in wine can also be found it other fermented alcohol beverages, dried fruits, processed or cooked foods and more.

Anyone who is worried about possible allergies should see an allergist who can review their personal and medical history as well as order testing to determine what substances cause reactions.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Allergies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.