Fun and Fruity but Fearsome

Did you ever think that big colorful balloon you see children playing with, is making them sick? Now it might seem impossible to be allergic to a balloon for that matter, but according to recent studies you will find its's not rare for children and adults to develop allergic reactions to certain proteins found in rubber. The milky fluid like substance comes from a rubber tree. This sensitive allergy can be harmful just about anywhere, shopping for groceries, on your schools' campus, or on a childrens toy. Many people suffering from a Latex Allergy are usually prone to suffering from latex-fruit syndrome. When suffering from a latex allergy, your immune system recognizes latex as a harmful substance. Your immune system then, elicits certain cells to produce immunoglobulin antibodies. The next time you come into contact with latex, the IgE antibodies sense it and signal your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. The more exposure you have with latex the IgE antibodies sense it and signal your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream. Did you know that common fruits that you are eating contain latex such as banana, pineapple, avocado, chestnut, kiwi fruit, passion fruit, strawberry and soy?

Some mild latex allergy symptoms include itching, skin redness, hives or a rash. Other more severe symptoms consist of sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat, trouble breathing and coughing. The most serious allergic reaction to latex is an anaphylactic response, which can be deadly. Its rarely the first reaction to latex exposure. Anaphylactic reactions develop immediately after latex exposure in highly sensitive people. Signs and symptoms include:

Drop in blood pressure, Dizziness, Loss of Consciousness, Confusion, and Slurred Speech, Rapid or Weak Pulse

Blueness of your Skin: including your lips, nails beds, Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting.

Latex sensitivy can appear in multiple ways through:

Direct contact-which is the most common allergy attack such as being in contact with latex products such as rubber gloves

Inhalation-symptoms occur when latex particles become airborne. Cornstarch which is sometimes found in latex proteins, can become airborne when gloves are snapped, the latex particles enter the air.

A reaction due to chemical additives used in the manufacturing process develops within 24-48 hours after contact.

The photo above is a notice issued at Glenbard East High, in Lombard Illinois. Slowly but surely, work and schooling conditions are becoming more aware of how life threatening a latex allergy can be and banding all products affiliated with latex from their enviornment.

Image Credit: gruntzooki (via Flickr)

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/latex-allergy/DS00621© 1998-2011 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/980101ap/reddy.html Copyright © 1998 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.