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Latex Allergy Specialists NY – Symptoms and Cross Reactions

May 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hevea brasiliensis, a Brazilian rubber tree is the source of the sap that contains protein that in turn comprises the main ingredient of Latex rubber.  Specific example of products made with Latex are medical supplies namely surgical gloves, catheters, blood pressure cuffs and IV tubes.  Other products with Latex are dental supplies, household items, contraceptives, school and office supplies, construction supplies like cement and paints or even garments.  Once the immune system reacts to the exposure to these products by inhalation or simply touching, the result would be Latex allergy.  It is the protein in the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree that is responsible for the creation of Latex allergy.  Once you experience frequent sneezing, watery eyes, rashes and itching on body parts,  stomach pain, shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue and lips or even anaphylactic shock, a warning that you must consult a Latex allergy specialist.  It can be your family doctor or a skin allergy specialist.  Once the respiratory tract is affected, the simple latex allergy can be fatal.

Cross reaction happens when you eat apples, peaches, carrots, tomatoes, some nuts, rye, melons, plums, apples, kiwi, papaya, grapes, pineapple, strawberries, rye, raw potatoes or bananas.  Chemicals in latex gloves are sources of allergies.  Patients who have undergone surgeries are more likely to be vulnerable to Latex allergy.  Others who are vulnerable to latex allergy are tire and rubber factory workers, food workers, health facility staff, child care workers and anybody who frequently wears latex gloves while performing their tasks.  Vinyl gloves are used by house cleaning, restaurant food handlers, child and senior caregivers.  Try avoiding the allergy by using nonlatex  powder free gloves.

Those who think they posses the symptons of latex allergy must immediately surrender themselves for medical assistance and consult the best specialist they can find.  Do not wait for a serious condition to arise before tapping a dermatologist or a latex allergy specialist.  Some points to consider when looking for a latex allergy specialist are:

  • Must be an allergist or Immunologist
  • Must have be an expert in the management, evaluation and diagnosis of immunodeficiency
  • Must have experience in Allergy blood testing, Allergy skin testing, Asthma allergies, Allergic rhinitis, Deficiency in Vitamin D,  Immune system dysfunction, Drug and Food Allergies, Immunotherapy

Directories and Websites of Latex Allergy Specialists and Resources

  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 1-888-463-6332
    http://www.fda.gov
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Hubert H. Humphrey Bldg., 200 Independence Ave., Room 715H, Washington, DC 20201, 1-800-356-4674
    http://www.cdc.gov/niosh
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave, Washington, DC 20210
    http://www.osha.gov
  • New York State Department of Health (DOH), Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237
    http://www.health.state.ny.us
  • American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 85 West Algonquin Road, Suite 550, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
    http://www.allergy.mcg.edu
  • American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 85 West Algonquin Road, Suite 550, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
  • Spina Bifida Association of America, 4590 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 250, Washington, DC 20007-4226, 1-800-621-3141
    http://www.sbaa.org
  • You can find qualified allergists at ENT and Allergy Associates, New York.

 

Visit the following websites for more contacts of your latex allergy concerns and specialists:

 

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Latex Allergy Deaths

March 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Every year thousands of Americans die because of allergies. There are many kinds of allergies which can cause death. Based on statistics, drug allergy is the number one cause of allergy death followed by food allergy. Insect allergies can cause 100 deaths every year while 10 latex allergy deaths are recorded every year. These figures might surprise some people who are not aware that latex allergy can cause death.

 

Latex allergy

 

Latex allergy is caused by exposure to natural Latex rubber proteins. The most common sources of latex allergy are latex gloves, latex adhesives and latex condoms. Nurses and doctors who often wear latex gloves are the ones who usually suffer from latex allergy. Those with severe allergic reaction can have an allergy attack after ingesting food prepared by someone who was wearing latex gloves.

 

There several symptoms of latex allergies. These are skin rashes, difficulty in breathing, sore throat, diarrhea, sore joints, nausea and vomiting. People who have severe allergic reaction to latex can have anaphylaxis which the common cause of latex allergy deaths. According to studies done, even those with mild allergic reactions to latex can develop anaphylaxis due to continuous exposure.

 

Diagnosis and management

 

Diagnosis of latex allergy is sometimes difficult. This is probably due to the fact that many people are unaware that they have latex allergy. Many often assume that they are suffering from other skin problems. Even nurses and doctors sometimes cannot figure out that they have latex allergy. Because of this lack of information and awareness of latex allergy, latex allergy deaths continue to happen. If you suspect that you have latex allergy, you should visit your doctor. A skin allergy test and blood allergy test can determine if you have latex allergy.

 

Preventing latex allergy deaths starts with proper diagnosis and prompt treatment. There is no cure for latex allergy so the best way to manage latex allergy is limiting exposure to it. There are some preventive measures people can do to avoid exposure to latex. Obviously, people should avoid using and touching latex gloves, latex condoms and other products made of latex. In addition, eat only in restaurants which are latex free. You should also remove all latex products in your homes and work place. Aside from the three products mentioned, you should also be careful when handling tires, rugs, new shoes, rubber balloons, new carpeting and medical products which may contain latex.

 

Latex allergy death is on the rise world wide according to statistics. This is very alarming but because of lack of information about it, many people are not aware of the seriousness of the problem. In addition, because of few casualties, most governments are not really supporting latex allergy support. This is perhaps understandable considering that millions of people die from other causes. However, it is important for those who have latex allergy to do their part in making people aware of this problem. There are several websites these days which feature latex allergy. Read them and do your part in making people aware of this problem. There is no cure for latex allergy but it can be prevented.

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Photos of Condom Allergies Can Be Irritating

February 23, 2011 By 1 Comment

Most people who are sexually active are aware of the importance of using condoms. Not only does it prevent pregnancy, but it also protects individuals from sexually transmitted diseases. This is the reason why some females insist that their partners use condoms even if they are using pills to prevent AIDS, STD and other diseases. Unfortunately some people are allergic to condoms which can cause allergic reactions such as allergic skin rashes and breathing difficulty. As such photos of condom allergies can be used to determine what are the different kinds of allergies that can be experienced by both males and females.

In worse cases, allergic reactions to condoms can cause anaphylaxis which is fatal if untreated immediately. Both males and females can become allergic to condoms although it is more likely for men to develop allergy to condoms.

The main culprit behind the allergy is the protein in the latex which is used to make condoms. In some cases, the chemicals used in lubricated condoms might be the allergen. Whatever the cause, it is best to visit the doctor if you suspect that you are allergic to condoms. The most common symptom of allergy is the development of skin rash.

To have a better idea, you can ask your doctor for some allergy information and you can also ask for photos of condom allergies which can help you compare if the rash you have is caused by condom allergy. Photos of condom allergies can also help individuals understand condom allergy better. For people who are embarrassed to talk to their doctors when they suspect they have condom allergy they can find sites online which have photos of condom allergies.

By comparing the photos of condom allergies with their rash and other symptoms they have, they can get an idea if they have an allergy to condom. After which they can seek medical intervention.

Although photos of condom allergies are very useful, it is still best to go to the doctor. The pictures of allergic reactions can help individuals but they cannot help you identify the main allergen which is causing the allergic reaction.  Aside from the development of skin rash and breathing difficulty, other reactions include itchiness, burning sensation and hives. Individuals who experience these signs and symptoms after using condom should seek medical intervention to test and identify the main allergen.

If the latex is the problem, then individuals can use other kinds of condom which is not made of latex. Some people are still hesitant to talk to their doctors about such problems; however, individuals should all remember that allergic reactions can be fatal. Some people risk not using condoms relying on other means to prevent pregnancy but this does not protect people from sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions to condoms especially for people with sensitive problems.

The good thing is, this problem can be treated and due to advancements in technology there are many possible medical interventions. So, people especially men should not be ashamed to consult their doctor about such problems. They should not try to self-medicate or treat themselves out of embarrassment because they might cause more problems. Photos of condom allergies can help them check if they have the same symptoms before going to a doctor.

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