Pancake Syndrome Explained: Dust Mite–Contaminated Flour and Severe Food Allergy

🥞 Can pancakes really cause anaphylaxis?

In this episode of Hope & Histamine: The Paediatric Allergy Podcast, we explore Pancake Syndrome — a rare but potentially severe allergic reaction caused by dust mite-contaminated flour rather than the pancake ingredients themselves.

You’ll learn how improper storage of flour can lead to mite proliferation, why cooking does not eliminate the allergen risk, and which children are most at risk — particularly those with house dust mite allergy, eczema, or allergic rhinitis. We discuss the typical symptoms, including sudden vomiting, urticaria, wheeze, and anaphylaxis, and how Pancake Syndrome can be easily misdiagnosed as food allergy or food poisoning.

This episode also covers:

✔️ The science behind Pancake Syndrome✔️ How to recognise red-flag symptoms early✔️ Practical flour storage and prevention advice for families✔️ When to prescribe adrenaline and refer to allergy services

Whether you’re a parent, healthcare professional, or educator, this episode provides clear, evidence-based guidance to help keep children safe and informed.

Sources: 

Kano, Y. and Murata, K. (2025) ‘What Did the Patient Really Eat? Pancake Syndrome’, The American Journal of Medicine, p. e149.Sanchez-Borges, M. and Fernandez-Caldas, E. (2015) ‘Hidden allergens and oral mite anaphylaxis: the pancake syndrome revisited’, Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 15, pp. 337–343.Sánchez-Borges, M., Capriles-Hulett, A. and Caballero-Fonseca, F. (2006) ‘Oral mite anaphylaxis (pancake syndrome) also observed in children’, Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 96(May), pp. 755–756.Sánchez-Borges, M., Suárez-Chacon, R., Capriles-Hulett, A., Caballero-Fonseca, F., Iraola, V. and Fernández-Caldas, E. (2009) ‘Pancake Syndrome (Oral Mite Anaphylaxis)’, World Allergy Organization Journal, 2(May), pp. 91–96.

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast and on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Please don't ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on content from this podcast or website.

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