Occupational buckwheat allergy in a health food store employee: From inhalative exposure to anaphylaxis.

Background: Buckwheat allergy is common in East Asian countries with high buckwheat consumption. However, with increasing popularity of buckwheat as a gluten-free food, it is also expected to become more widespread in Europe.

Case report: A health food store employee experienced anaphylaxis with urticaria, angioedema, and dyspnea after eating a slice of buckwheat bread. Prior to this reaction, the patient had repeatedly noticed rhinoconjunctival itching and sneezing when handling buckwheat. A positive skin prick test with buckwheat flour and elevated specific IgE levels to buckwheat confirmed the suspected diagnosis.

Conclusion: Food industry employees may develop sensitization to buckwheat through inhalation of buckwheat flour. This sensitization can lead to rhinoconjunctival symptoms upon airborne exposure and to anaphylaxis after ingestion.