Latex Allergy – 7 Preventive Measures For You To Take

An allergic reaction to latex is treated by the doctor with antiallergic agents (antihistamines) and cortisone preparations (glucocorticoids). These are usually administered as an injection into the vein (intravenous injection) and / or as an infusion. In addition, patients with allergic bronchial asthma inhale substances such as salbutamol, which expands the bronchi. In the case of a severe circulatory reaction, the doctor administers adrenaline as a syringe into a vein or into the muscles of the thigh.

So that it does not lead to further allergic reactions to natural latex, those concerned should avoid the contact with the trigger consistently throughout life. An alternative is represented by various synthetic rubber materials made from petroleum products. Examples include protective gloves made of nitrile rubber, rubber bands and textile fibers made of elastane = Lycra, as well as natural latex-free condoms made of polyurethane. In addition, if there is a cross-allergy to food, the patient should avoid it. You will also need to know about the foods to avoid if you are allergic to latex.

In addition, sufferers should always carry an allergy passport with them and remind their doctor or dentist of their allergy again before planned examinations or interventions . To ensure that medical care is provided even in emergencies without the use of latex products, many patients point to their allergy with the help of a chain tag, a special bracelet or a nylon button on the watch band – for example with a stop sign “No Latex” ,

Since many everyday utensils contain natural latex (see the list in the Symptoms section), it is not always possible to completely avoid contact with the trigger. Therefore, those affected should always carry an emergency kit with them. This usually consists of an antihistamine and a glucocorticoid for oral use and an adrenaline pre-filled syringe for injection into the muscles of the thigh. If the patient mainly develops asthma attacks during latex contact, the doctor also prescribes an asthma spray with an active substance that dilates the bronchi. As soon as an allergic reaction occurs, the patient should immediately use his emergency kit and then call a doctor. Click Here for more info.

If a victim comes into contact with natural latex in the course of his professional activity, the doctor will report to the relevant professional association. This clarifies whether the insured can be protected by special measures against contact with the trigger. If this is not possible, especially in the case of particularly severe allergic reactions, it may be necessary for the person concerned to give up his previous activity. The trade association cooperates in the search for vocational alternatives.

Cross-reactions to foods

Latex allergic patients often suffer from cross-reactions to food. This means that allergic reactions can occur after eating certain foods. These reactions are based on similar structures in the latex and in the foods.

The most common symptom that occurs is the oral allergy syndrome (OAS). It is characterized by itching, burning and tingling of the lips and oral mucosa and occurs especially after consumption of raw fruits and vegetables. Some people additionally suffer from swelling of the lips and oral mucous membranes. Even itching in the ears and neck are possible. In addition, dysphagia and lumps in the throat may occur as part of OAS. Usually, the symptoms of an OAS occur immediately after eating a food product and spontaneously regress spontaneously within minutes to rarely a few hours.

Severe reactions

In rare cases severe reactions (so-called anaphylaxis) occur. In these are mainly known after the consumption of banana and avocado. This can lead to shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, drop in blood pressure, to the point of shock with unconsciousness and circulatory collapse.

Diagnosis

Do latex-containing objects cause symptoms? For example, are you sensitive to rubber gloves or swelling your lips after you inflate a rubber glove? Or do you have a previously diagnosed latex allergy and do you observe the symptoms listed above after consuming latex-associated foods (eg banana, kiwi, avodaco)? If necessary, allergy diagnostics can provide clarity in this case. Various diagnostic procedures can be used: anamnesis (interview in which symptoms and observations are requested), skin tests, blood tests and possibly provocation tests.

Skin test

In the skin test (prick test), a drop of an allergen extract is introduced into the skin using a lancet. Through a local reaction in the form of a wheal on the skin confirmed in combination with the appropriate history of allergy. The test can also be done with food.

Blood test In the blood test, the blood serum is examined for specific antibodies (IgE antibodies). IgE antibodies are responsible for the allergic reactions.

Oral provocation

In some cases, oral provocation is also performed. This means that the patient may have to eat allergy-causing foods in increasing amounts. These tests usually take place in hospital, so that reactions occurring can be well monitored.

Diet principle

When a latex-associated food allergy was found in you, you should avoid foods that trigger symptoms you. To what extent the consumption of latex-associated foods in individual cases leads to reactions must be examined individually. Because not every latex allergic reacts to any of the associated foods. A preventive avoidance of all known cross-allergen does not make sense and leads to an extensive cost restriction. Foods that you are not sure you can tolerate should be tested carefully in small quantities. Below is a list of foods that can cause latex pollen allergy reactions.

Foods that can cross-react with latex include:

• Banana (common)
• Avocado (often)
• Kiwi (common)
• pineapple
• cashew
• Cowardly
• Honey and watermelon
• carrot
• Potato, raw
• passion fruit
• Chestnut / sweet chestnut
• papaya
• paprika
• peach
• Salads (including chicory , endive, lettuce )
• tomato
• walnut

Emergence of latex allergy                                                                                                                                                        

The risk of latex becoming the trigger of contact allergy arises during the production of elastic latex rubber. This happens in a chemical process, vulcanization. Natural rubber becomes the elastic rubber. One of the most effective accelerators of this process is added Thiurame or Thirame. They can cause skin symptoms in humans. In recent years, the allowable amount of thiuram has been limited. Manufacturers had to replace them with less effective but also less allergenic substances. This has caused a noticeable decrease in late-night contact allergies.

• Protein components of the natural latex can activate the immune system via the respiratory tract and the mucous membranes. Initial contact sensitizes the immune system. If there is another contact, the sensitized IgE antibodies “recognize” the latex allergen and can trigger the immune defense. So far 15 allergens of the natural latex are identified. Particularly common in the 1990s was the sensitization route via powdered latex gloves. As a result of the sweat of the skin, the water-soluble latex allergens were able to bind to the powder, were dispersed in the air when the gloves were put on and taken off and inhaled by other workers.

The marked increase in latex allergies among medical professionals called occupational safety on the scene. Despite existing replacement obligation, however, the powdered latex gloves are still on the market and on the Internet without problems to order.