“HEVEA BRASILIENSIS “. It is not the name of a new virus, but it can still create health problems. It is the tree of the rubber, from which the latex is obtained, to whom more and more allergic people. Latex allergy is an immune reaction, that is, that the defense system can trigger, when the immune system erroneously recognizes the latex as a harmful substance.
Which objects can give allergy
The latex is used in the production of numerous articles of daily use, such as gloves, medical devices, but also balloons, shoes and elastic bands For hair. “Furthermore, latex allergy can be unleashed by direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes, by the inhalation of latex particles scattered in the air or through injections, surgical interventions, but also tattoos or piercing, if the operator uses tools or gloves that contain latex” explains the doctor Maria Rita Messina, Allergologist of the IRCCS Clinical Institute Humanitas and of Humanitas Medical Care.
Who is most at risk?
Doctors, nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, But also all those who are obliged to wear latex gloves for work or handmade rubber objects. It seems that even those who have undergone as a child to many surgical interventions, are more exposed to this type of allergy, which is manifested by sometimes after many years.
Attention to these fruits
“People who have a history of latex allergies are the most at risk of developing latex-frutta syndrome,” explains Dr. Messina. «This is a condition that causes allergic reactions after the consumption of foods such as bananas, avocado, kiwi, mango, papaya, chestnuts»The expert continues. «It is a typical example of cross-ucitivity, i.e. Crusade allergy. Due to the similarity between latex proteins and those present in these fruits, those who are allergic to allergic latex can manifest, following the ingestion of these foods, an allergic reaction, even in the absence of a direct exposure to the latex itself “clarifies the allergologist.
Latex allergy can also cause stomach ache and other gastrointestinal disorders. (Getty Images)
How this allergy is manifested
“The symptoms of latex allergy can involve several devices And present yourself in different ways: urticaria, itching, swelling, contact dermatitis »explains Dr. Messina. «But also respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, nose that runs, coughing, breathing difficulties and asthma. Or gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea ». In severe cases, allergy can also cause anaphylaxis, A serious reaction, in which multiple apparatuses can be involved at the same time (respiratory, gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin, cardiovascular) and which can be manifested with urticaria, breathing difficulties, drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. «Anaphylaxis is a potentially lethal reaction, which requires a immediate medical intervention»The expert concludes.
These “signals” must make suspicious
To prevent allergic reactions, it is essential to recognize alarm signals e consult an allergist In case of suspected latex allergy. In fact, only a doctor can make an exact diagnosis, after the appropriate exams. There are, however, of the signals of our body not to be underestimated. They could be a alarm bell of suspected latex allergy. The most common are:
– itching or swelling at lip after medical or dental visits with the use of latex gloves;
– Rossore oiRritation to hands sneezing, nose that cola, difficulty breathing, After the use of latex gloves or after touching other objects that contain this substance;
– swelling or itching in the genital area After gynecological visits or after the use of condoms.
How to find out if it is truly allergy
The diagnosis is carried out by the Allergologist through the anamnesis, that is, the patient is asked for detailed information on the symptoms he has expressed and on his clinical history, that is, if he suffers from other diseases, first of all asthma and dermatitis. If the doctor recognizes the possibility that he faces a case of allergy, to have the certainty prescription of the skin tests, such as the prick test or the patch test. «Even the blood teststo measure the presence of specific IgE antibodies against latex and to the individual proteins that I make it, they are fundamental tools to confirm the diagnosis “clarifies the expert.
How to get better
As for many allergies, the most effective treatment consists in avoiding contact with the allergen, in this case the latex. Those who suffer from latex allergy, therefore, are important to use objects that are without it, Like nitrile gloves, vinyl or neoprene. It is also essential to inform the medical staff of the Allergy before visits, exams or surgery, so that the health personnel uses products without this substance and prepares a Environment “Latex Safe”. «Those who are latex allergic should always carry a Alert medical bracelet And, if prescribed, an adrenaline self -employer, who is the life -saving drug in the event of serious reactions “concludes Dr. Maria Rita Messina.
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