What are Latex Allergy Symptoms?
By: Paul FryattTotal Views: 305, Word Count: 538,
Latex which is derived form a tropical rubber tree by the name of Hevea brasiliensis is a milky liquid. Latex is extensively used in diapers, sanitary napkins, adhesive tapes, balloons, rubber bands, bandages, diapers, inflatable toys, condoms and pacifiers. Latex is a common substance which is popular in the health care industry.
Latex which is a rubber product is mixed with other materials. Thin rubber latex which is used in balloons, gloves and condoms have shown to cause higher allergic reactions than harder rubber products.
Latex allergy-
1. The comprising proteins which are present in latex cause an allergic reaction, in individuals who are allergic to latex. Many substances such as dental dams, products used for filling root canals, gloves, tourniquets and urinary catheters have non-latex substitutes.
2. Latex allergy also occurs because latex as a substance is used everywhere and in nearly all industries. Even slight contact with latex is shown to cause allergic reactions, in latex sensitive individuals.
3. Some people are known to suffer from latex allergy because of some food substances. This is mainly because of some proteins in rubber are very similar to those which are found in food substances such as bananas, kiwi fruits, tomatoes, chestnuts and avocados.
Some latex allergy symptoms are as follows-
1. Latex allergy is shown to cause mild symptoms as well life threatening reactions. Mild symptoms of latex allergy are- redness, itchiness, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, rashes, shock, breathing difficulties, sneezing, coughing and stuffy nose. Latex allergy in severe cases has shown to cause death.
2. Latex allergy can occur when allergy prone individuals come in contact with either natural latex or when latex is a comprising element in other manufactured products.
3. Latex allergy is also known to occur even when the dust of latex from gloves rubs off accidentally on latex allergic people.
4. Some people are also born with a predisposition to an allergy to latex and they tend to develop an allergy towards latex after exposure to the same allergen after sometime.
5. Latex allergy symptoms are quite comparable, to the allergy symptoms caused due to hay fever. Latex causes a serious health condition called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is known to result in breathing difficulties, low blood pressure and even death is known to occur in serious cases.
Some treatment options for latex allergy-
1. It would be advisable first to understand the sources of latex, which one comes in contact with. If one experiences any reactions to latex, it would be beneficial to seek medical help.
2. If diagnosed with anaphylaxis, which is a serious medical condition it would be most suited to seek medical guidance and reduce the symptoms of latex allergy.
3. If symptoms of latex allergy are visible in an individual, the doctor would have to perform a blood or a skin test to eliminate other medical problems. Blood and skin test would also help the doctor identify the reaction of the body to latex rudiments.
Latex allergy symptoms are best known to be prevented than cured. One should recognize preventive measures to avoid latex allergies.
About the Author
Allergist Paul Fryatt, M.D. has been in this profession from last 24 years. He made great achievements in his profession. He made an initiative to open a Family Allergy Clinic in 1985 to help his patients who were not reacting to traditional allergy treatment programs. Moreover he has explored the treatment to overcome allergy symptoms to reclaim quality of life through his convenient, no-shots therapy.
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