Welcome to the forum.
You're at a good place to read lots of posts, threads, etc. on sulfite intolerance and allergy.
For lots more ifo, just put in key words in the search box at the top of the page. Reading first will help save money, as the owner of the forum is charged by the word, so we try not to repeat unnecessarily.
It sounds like you may have the true allergy form of sulfite problems, but don't just assume. Lots of things that have sulfites have other allergens too. It's a bit unusual to suddenly come up with a strong allergy to sulfites. Especially look into the shrimp, as this is a more common allergen. Shrimp is clean, but it's sulfited on the boats to stop the black rot, and it's not always washed off well enough, so we just don't eat it.
After starting your own food journal today - see many posts in the archives (search box) - find a good allergist. I would ask for diluted skin testing for shrimp in particular. But advise the allergist you had a serious reaction to something, and shrimp was in the menu!
There is no credible test for sulfites, so you have to find that on your own. The only way that is for sure is the food journal. Just don't go and consume food or drink with high levels of sulfites to test yourself!!!!! Don't eat the shrimp again.
There are many lists of sulfite containing foods, and there are plenty of links to good sites in the archives. Since you haven't had a serious reaction previously, I would concentrate on the foods and drinks listed in the "high" concentration categories.
My reaction to sulfites is chest pain caused by tachycardia. Is that what you had too? I usually just mention tachycardia because I assume people know it hurts. I don't have the hives from sulfites or the headaches a lot of people get either. Usually I notice a stomach upset within a half hour of consuming my daily limit, followed by tach if I've gone overboard, but some people get reactions much later. If you have a reaction within a half hour of a meal, I'd make sure to write down everything in the meal. It can be condiments too, not just the hamburger or the bun, so write down everything! Bottled water can count for some people too. Depends on the brand.
Lots of reading for you to do, so good luck, and keep in touch, even if it's just the shrimp.
PS: There's no reason to starve. Avoid packaged, processed, and pre-prepared meals, many restaurant meals with sauces and fancy additives. Plain food, lightly seasoned with herbs you'll find as safe on the lists you look up, are just fine. Real food you make at home is best. Bread is a problem these days with all the preservatives, but you can buy or make your own without preservatives. Since wheat is GMO now, I avoid that too, it upsets my stomach.
Post Edited (Alcie) : 12/3/2016 7:44:55 PM (GMT-7)