Thank you Slowinmi:

Oh, my goodness, I can't tell you how helpful this has been, first because the Doctor who tested me said they don't test for sulphites and also because you stated this: "It makes your breathing passages swell on the inside which makes it harder to breath. The swelling can cause a feeling like pressure in the chest. As you become short of breath, your heart must work harder and so it beats faster also - causing your tachycardia." Another person I know had previously mentioned this narrowing of the breathing passage and I kinda thought the tachycardia was linked to that in some way too. So your are confirming this and I really appreciate you telling me this.

It is a priviledge to have you respond with all your knowledge. I told them I didn't think I would have asthma because these were isolated incidents and they were getting progressively worse. I felt somewhat deflated after the testing for asthma because I was pretty sure I didn't have asthma, and I don't, and if they couldn't test me for sulphites then well I was at the beginning again. But ruling out 'stuff' is important too, I rationalized. I proceeded to request a puffer from my General Practitioner, just in case, anyway. Fortunately, she complied and yesterday I was glad I had it. I am usually pretty watchful of what goes into my body and now I will watch for this kind of mixing grapes like in this juice as well. I wonder if this juice really did have sulphite but that there may be no requirement for juices to have 'contains sulphites' written on the bottle. I do not drink wines or any of those other fancy bottled alcoholic beverages, like coolers They do say there is sulphites in them. It is too risky. I'm super cautious even about wines that say sulphite free. I am drinking a lot of herbal and decaffinated tea lately.

I am wondering how one does do a test for sulfite sensitivities? I feel our testing here may be somewhat backward, so I may need to find a special location. Also, as far as the psychological aspect goes, if nothing else, I can attribute quite a lot to my getting this testing done to my good therapy that has caused me to like myself more and choose to look after my body, mind and soul, sort-to-speak. It has been instrumental in my even attempting to folllow up on my general health, so in that regard I know it has made a great difference!

Thank you again and I hope you can find your needs met here on PC too. The people are amazing!

Best wishes,
Hunny