Latex Allergy: ANAPHYLAXIS Fact Sheet

 HOW TO RECOGNIZE ANAPHYLAXIS DUE TO NATURAL RUBBER LATEX:

1)                   Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.

2)                   Anaphylaxis to latex can occur in community settings (for example, after exposure to latex in sports equipment, balloons, or condoms), as well as in healthcare settings.

3)                   Anaphylaxis symptoms can occur within minutes after exposure to latex.

4)                   Anaphylaxis symptoms usually involve more than one body area at the same time. There may be only a few symptoms, or there may be many symptoms. Watch for:

• Skin symptoms: itching, hives, redness, swelling
• Mouth symptoms: itching, swelling of lips and/or tongue
• Throat symptoms: itching, tightness/closure, hoarse voice, difficulty breathing Lung symptoms: cough, wheeze, difficulty breathing
• Gut symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
• Heart symptoms: weak pulse, dizziness, passing out

 HOW TO PREVENT ANAPHYLAXIS FROM NATURAL RUBBER LATEX:

 1)                   Be able to identify the sources of latex in the community such as sports equipment, balloons, or condoms.

 2)                   Be able to identify the foods that cross-react with latex; for example, bananas, kiwi, papaya, avocado, potato, tomato.

 3)                   Strictly avoid exposure to latex and the foods that cross-react with it.

HOW TO TREAT ANAPHYLAXIS FROM NATURAL RUBBER LATEX:

1)                   Carry an epinephrine auto-injector such as an EpiPen or Twinject with you at all times, and know how to use it. Inject epinephrine promptly in the middle, outer side of the thigh. Epinephrine is the life-saving drug in anaphylaxis.

 2)                   Call for help promptly (911, EMS, rescue squad).

 3)                   Antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and bronchodilators such as Ventolin (albuterol) cannot be substituted for epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylaxis because they do not prevent or relieve respiratory failure or shock.

 4)                  Have a personalized anaphylaxis emergency action plan (download from www.aaaai.org) and wear medical identification.

 Latex Allergy: Latex Cross-reactive foods Fact Sheet

 Latex allergens

Allergic reactions to products containing natural rubber latex often result from exposure of sensitized individuals to one or more proteins that occur naturally in raw latex preparations. At least 13 distinct proteins have been identified and associated with latex sensitivities in health care workers, spina bifida patients, and children or adults within the general population, with most allergic patients reacting to multiple latex proteins that vary somewhat between these groups.

 Structure-function-activity relationships

The biological functions or enzymatic activities associated with most latex allergens have been determined. Several of these proteins are active enzymes involved in defending the latex plant from microbial attacks, particularly colonization and growth of numerous fungi. In general, proteins that serve similar functions in different plants (whether genetically related or not) usually contain highly conserved sequences and three-dimensional structures, so it is not surprising to find plant defense or pathogenesis-related proteins with activities comparable to those found in latex in a wide variety of plants that include many common foods.

 Cross-reactivity with foods

These relationships are relevant to latex allergy because a number of these common plant defense proteins are potent allergens. The tendency of latex-sensitive individuals to express allergic reactions after ingestion of certain foods has been recognized for many years, and subsequent clinical and laboratory studies have confirmed both the sources of the offending allergens and their relevance to the allergic condition. Our immune systems recognize particular antigen structures as foreign without regard to the origin of these molecules. Close structural similarities between any two allergens from divergent sources can produce similar allergic reactions in sensitive patients, and is termed cross-­reactivity or cross-sensitization.  Due to the presence of these common or cross-reactive protein allergens, ingestion of some foods produce allergic symptoms in patients sensitive to latex inhalation or contact.

 This association between latex sensitivity and food allergy is often referred to as the latex-fruit syndrome, although many vegetable foods have also been identified as possessing clinical and/or immunologic cross-reactivities with latex proteins. The foods shown below have been linked allergenically to latex in published reports and are grouped based on high, moderate or low/undetermined degrees of association to latex or prevalence of allergic reactions. It is likely that other foods not yet identified also possess some allergenic similarities to latex.

• High (4)                         Avocado, Banana, Chestnut, Kiwi
• Moderate (7)              Apple, Carrot, Melons, Papaya, Potato, Tomato, Celery            
• Low/undetermined (33)        Apricot, Cherry, Citrus fruits, Fig, Grape, Lychee, Mango, Nectarine, Passion fruit, Peach, Pear, Persimmon, Pineapple, Strawberry, Buckwheat, Rye, Wheat, Coconut, Hazelnut, Walnut, Castor bean, Chick pea, Peanut, Soybean, Dill, Oregano, Sage, Peppers (Cayenne, Sweet/bell pepper), Shellfish, Sunflower seed

 It is important to note that some of the foods on listed above may not produce clinically important reactions in latex-sensitive individuals, for numerous reasons. However, recognition of the foods that are known to share some major or minor allergens with latex can help patients and their families minimize exposures to possible sources of provocative allergens and understand the risks associated with inclusion of these foods in their diets.

LATEX ALLERGY 101 FACT SHEET/CROSS-REACTIVE FOODS/GRIER/ ALAA/8-09

• A doctor can diagnose sinusitis through a physical examination, but may also require allergy testing, x-rays or use of a fiber-optic scope.
• Treatments for sinusitis include antibiotics, decongestants, nasal sprays or non-medicinal therapies such as hot packs, humidifiers and salt water rinses.
• many people can prevent sinusitis by reducing their allergy symptoms-allergy shots, avoiding exposure to allergy triggers and use of medications may be helpful.

For more information on sinusitis, allergies and asthma, please call Coastal Allergy & Asthma, PC today!

Information from AAAAI.org

Consult a board certified allergist.  Together, you can develop a treatment plan to help you

live well, despite your allergies!

• Have frequent sinus infections, nasal congestion or itchy, puffy eyes
• Find that exposure to certain substances causes unpleasant reactions, such as sneezing, coughing, or watery eyes
• Experience hay fever or other allergy symptoms several months out of the year
• Find that over the counter medications do not control allergy symptoms or have unpleasant side effects
• Feel allergies are affecting the quality of your life
• Get tired of taking multiple medications to control the symptoms of allergies
• Have trouble catching your breath during exercise or strenuous activity
• Wheeze or cough, especially at night or after exercise
• Sometimes feel shortness of breath or tightness in your chest
• Find your asthma symptoms are not under control, even though you are being treated for the disease
• Have reactions to foods, medications or stinging insects
• Have eczema or other unexplained rash
• Need help identifying strategies for preventing allergic reactions

                                                                                …… An Allergist Can Help

Do it yourself allergy tests allow you to draw a bit of your own blood, mail it to a designated lab, and within a few days they’ll let you know if you are allergic to any of 10 common substances.   But experts say these tests turn up a lot of false positives, and don’t consider other information critical for a proper diagnosis, such as personal and family medical history. 

A skin test, administered and evaluated by a board certified allergist, is the most accurate and cost effective means for determining what substances you are allergic to. This test, along with a thorough physical exam and consideration of your medical history, will provide you and your physician with the safest and most effective treatment plan for your allergies.

High amounts of other fats, such as those found in corn, soybean, and safflower oils and in meats and processed foods, can actually induce inflammation, an underlying cause of asthma, and promote the disease.

In addition, if you are overweight or obese, your odds of developing asthma are 50% greater than if you maintain a healthy body weight.  Researchers estimate that excess weight accounts for 250,000 new cases of asthma every year.  Obesity has also been found to increase children’s risk of developing the disease.   

• Bottom Line:  Eat well to breathe better!

Source: USAWeekend.com and scientific sources cited

In a study from Ohio State University Medical Center (Columbus), researchers screened 107 varsity athletes for exercise-induced asthma; 42 (39%) of the athletes tested positive, and 36 of those 42 athletes had no previous history of asthma.  These results suggest that a significant number of athletes have unrecognized exercise-induced asthma.

“One important finding of this study is that a history of symptoms with exercise is not enough to make a correct diagnosis,” says Jonathan Parsons, MD, associate director of the Medical Center’s Asthma Center and lead author of the study. “Appropriate testing is critical.”

A separate study in the journal Chest linked exercise induced asthma with diminished sweat and saliva secretion, which further dries asthma sufferers’ airways.

Symptoms of exercise induced asthma include: coughing, wheezing, and tiring after 5 to 15 minutes of exercise.  Experts recommend runners warm up and cool down for at least 15 minutes, and avoid running outdoors in extremely cold temperatures.

Take action:  If your cardio workout leaves you excessively breathless, talk to your doctor.

 Myth: “as long as the nasal discharge is clear, it is an allergy.”  Clear mucous from a runny nose is often associated with a cold.