Latex allergy
introduction
Latex is a natural rubber that is used in many products.
An allergy to latex is no longer uncommon in Central Europe, on the contrary, there has been an enormous increase in the number of people affected in recent years. In most cases, a latex allergy is an immediate type allergy (type I allergy). This means that it is triggered by special antibodies (IgE) that are directed against latex. If the person concerned comes into contact with latex-containing products (first contact), antibodies against latex are formed in the course of the immune defense; an allergic reaction occurs on a second contact (immediate type, as the reaction can occur within seconds).
A latex allergy but can also be a late type allergy (Type II), so it will through contact with additives, which are added to the rubber during latex production, triggered. The additives that often trigger an allergy include above all Colorants and anti-aging agents. In the case of a type II latex allergy (late type), the patient only shows the first symptoms after a long time.
Allergy trigger
Of the Main trigger the latex allergy is that Natural latex but also the one widely used as a houseplant Weeping fig triggers a seizure in many latex allergy sufferers.
Especially among employees in the medical field (Doctors, nurses, etc.) is the occurrence of such a latex allergy widespread. Also professional groups like Hairdressers or cleaners are special often affected. This is due to the fact that these people come into contact with natural rubber particularly often (for example when wearing protective and surgical gloves). In addition, it was found that people with it Neurodermatitis, asthma or innate Urogenital malpositions are far more likely to be allergic to products containing latex. The Risk group therefore includes People who have frequent contact with latex and / or are generally very susceptible to allergies.
Symptoms of latex allergy
If an allergy sufferer comes into contact with a product containing latex (allergen), typical allergic symptoms arise. These body reactions vary in form and strength depending on the individual allergy sufferer and the severity of the allergy. Usually a enormously stronger itchingthat of Skin redness and pustules at the contact points is accompanied by the allergen. It can also be spread all over the body Hives (Urticaria) arise.
Other typical symptoms are frequent sneezing with thin nasal secretions and the Swelling of the nasal mucous membranes. In most cases, those affected indicate additionally reddened, swollen, watery ones eyes on. The eye reaction can even go up to Development of conjunctivitis (Conjunctivitis) range.
At a strong contact with the allergenic material symptoms are usually more severe. This is particularly serious and equally dangerous Swelling of the throat (Pharyngitis) and the larynx (Laryngitis), there one proper breathing is therefore severely restricted becomes. A doctor should be consulted immediately if swelling in the neck area occurs, at the latest Asthma attacks and Discomfort of the gastrointestinal tract come (especially severe diarrhea).
However, these symptoms do not necessarily have to occur immediately after contact with a product containing latex (exposure); it often happens that those affected only notice the first symptoms a long time after exposure.
Occurrence of latex
Most people think of latex products first Condoms, but latex is also a component of many other everyday products and can be a source of danger for allergy sufferers. Products containing latex include plasters, elastic bandages, rubber rings, rubber gloves, rubber shoes, erasers, stamp adhesives, various craft adhesives, bath mats, bathing caps, diving clothing, Swimming goggles, rubber pads, carpet backs, gym mats, bicycle and car tires, medical protective and surgical gloves, respiratory masks, catheters, syringes, balloons, condoms and, above all, chewing gum.
The list of potential allergy triggers is long and the lives of latex allergy sufferers are accordingly limited. There are also other latex allergies numerous cross allergies, i.e. allergies in which the antibodies directed against latex also recognize other substances and thereby trigger an allergic reaction.
To the known cross allergiesthat can occur in connection with a latex allergy Hypersensitivity to (sub) tropical fruits such as bananas and avocado or against certain houseplants. Also when visiting the dentist, care should be taken for latex allergy sufferers, because those used during a tooth root filling Guttapercha points can also cause an allergic reaction.
Basically every latex allergy sufferer should pay attention to the family doctor, dentist and all other practitioners to inform immediately about the existing allergy and thereby preventing the risk of unwanted contact with the allergenic material.
Diagnosis of latex allergy
The main part of latex allergies gets random, so based on the symptoms detected. The patient describes to the attending physician what problems he is experiencing and the context in which this physical reaction occurred. Based on these descriptions, the physician can then first make the suspected diagnosis of "latex allergy". After a Blood draw is then in the laboratory specifically searched for antibodies against latex (Antibody detection / RAST test). This test procedure is problematic because antibodies cannot be detected in the blood of every latex allergic person.
Also give Skin tests Relatively quick information about the underlying allergy. With the so-called Prick test natural latex samples are applied to the back and the skin is then pierced with a needle. If there is an allergy, reddening and / or swelling will appear on the treated skin areas after about 10 to 15 minutes, including a so-called Provocation test, during which the patient is brought into direct contact with the possible allergy trigger for about 20 minutes, is possible (for example, putting on latex finger cots).
In the event of an allergic reaction to products containing latex, this is the case However, skin tests are not without their dangers, since this is mostly an immediate type allergy. This means that body reactions can occur very quickly and the patient may fall into allergic shock (anaphylactic shock). Because of this you should before performing an appropriate test all possible Precautions to be hit.
Therapy latex allergy
The most important measure with existing latex all direction is a avoidant behavior. This means that those affected will in any case direct contact to Avoid materials containing latex should. In everyday life this turns out to be relatively difficult because, as mentioned above, latex is contained in many everyday objects. With this avoidance strategy, a distinction must be made between different patient groups. For patients who only react slightly to latex, it is generally sufficient to use the direct one Just avoid contact.
Patients who react very strongly can also show strong allergic reactions to indirect contact. In these cases it is necessary to take precautionary measures. For example, if one of these patients is working in the medical field, they should latex-free gloves to be switched.
The medical therapy consists Antiallergic drugs(Antihistamines) in the form of Tablets, sprays or drops can be applied. It also makes sense antiallergic eye drops and decongestant nasal drops to use allergic attack can additionally Cortisone Every allergy sufferer should always have one Emergency kit keep within reach.
Latex allergy and condoms
Although the most common problem of a latex allergy sufferer is on the side of everyday and medical products, they do Most patients are most concerned about condom use.Here too you have to switch between the Differentiate degrees of severity of latex allergy. If a patient suffers from only one slight sensitivity, it is enough if special hypoallergenic condoms be used.
These condoms do not usually lead to symptoms in those with light allergies, they are much cheaper than latex-free condoms and have one more comfortable to wear. "Hypoallergenic" in this context means that the manufacturer removes a large part of the allergy-causing proteins from the natural rubber severe form of latex allergyso must latex-free condoms be used.
she consist of a material called Polyurethane (PU), i.e. a plastic or synthetic resin. Condoms are made of polyurethane much more expensive than condoms containing latex, a pack costs around 15 euros. In addition, the preventive effect has not yet been tested and also theirs Ability against sexually transmitted diseases compared to "normal" condoms not yet clarified.
prevention
There are various means and methods that can be used for contraception. Some of these differ greatly in terms of application and security.
Here you get to the topic: Contraception
condom
There are many different methods of contraception. As a means of contraception, condoms not only protect against unwanted pregnancies but also against sexually transmitted diseases.
Here you get to the topic: Condom
