Changes in bronchial hyperresponsiveness following high- and low-sulphite wine challenges in wine-sensitive asthmatic patients

Background: Previous studies suggest that challenge of most wine-sensitive asthmatic patients may not result in a reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁). Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether changes in bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) occur following wine challenge of asthmatic patients who report sensitivity to wine, and whether such changes could help clarify the role of sulphite additives in wine-induced asthmatic responses. Methods: Eight self-reporting wine-sensitive asthmatic patients completed double-blind challenges with high- and low-sulphite wines on separate days. FEV₁ and histamine PC₂₀ were measured before and after consumption of 150 mL of wine. Results: None of the eight subjects demonstrated a clinically significant (≥15%) reduction in FEV₁ following challenge with either high- or low-sulphite wine. In contrast, one patient demonstrated clinically significant increase in BHR following challenge with both high- and low-sulphite wines, and a smaller increase in BHR following placebo challenge. A second patient showed a significant increase, while another showed a significant decrease in BHR following challenge with low-sulphite wine. A fourth patient showed borderline increases in BHR following challenge with both high- and low-sulphite wines. Conclusions: Although changes in BHR, in the absence of reductions in FEV₁, were observed in some asthmatic patients following wine challenge, these changes were not consistent with a single aetiology. Consequently, this study did not support a major role for the sulphite additives in wine-induced asthmatic responses in the patients studied. The aetiology of wine-induced asthma is likely to be complex and appears to vary among individuals who are sensitive to these drinks.