subject: Selecting Solutions Of Allergy [print this page] Latex Allergies Overview Latex Allergies Overview
Healthcare workers have avoided being infected with diseases by the use of latex gloves. Latex allergies among healthcare workers have reportedly been increased. This has been linked to the exposure of latex in these workers. "Latex" is a term used on a naturally derived rubber from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis.
Synthetic rubber is sometimes called "latex". Even so, it does not have the proteins associated with allergic reactions to latex. Latex allergic reactions are caused by proteins in the natural rubber. It is still undetermined how much latex exposure is required to produce an allergic reaction. It has been observed that the risk of acquiring latex sensitivity is directly proportional to the extent of latex protein exposure.
Symptoms of Milk Allergy
Individuals who are suffering from milk allergy must strictly avoid milk, any food that contains milk, and milk products in order to prevent allergic reactions such as hives, wheezing, and vomiting. There are unsuspecting items that contain milk and this makes avoiding food with milk challenging. Food allergies and food intolerance are sometimes mixed up. Affected individuals may experience symtpoms such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramps, and flatulence. Labels must always be checked before you use an item.
On the other hand, it is also advisable to read food labels before buying anything. Sometimes, manufacturers change the ingredients and add trigger foods to the new recipe.
Drug Allergy Facts
Some drugs give adverse effects to a person. Therefore, it is advised to be cautious of the drugs to be taken. Another reason for you to be cautious is that, the unwanted effects of some drugs are unpredictable although their instructions are clearly stated. There are only few allergic reactions that provide serious consequences. However, having multiple symptoms like swelling, trouble breathing, itching, rash and hives can actually make you miserable.
Some medications that are commonly used are more allergenic compared to other medications, based on several patient's experiences. Including these are anti-inflammatory drugs, penicillin, antibiotics in general, and aspirin. Anti-inflammatory drugs, when taken with penicillin, may give effects that are the same with an allergic response. However, this can happen without IgE being involved. Some drugs such as vancomycin, intravenous x-ray dyes, paclitaxel, morphine and ACE inhibitors provides the same symptoms like the usual allergic reactions.
Poison Ivy Allergy Overview
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants which have an abrasive sap called urushiol. An allergic reaction brought about by contact with urushiol is presented as an itchy rash. This may be seen within a few hours up to a few days after exposure. Poison plant sap which coats gardening implements or pet's fur may be a means of exposure to urushoil.
Urushiol is predominant in all parts of the poison plants. The leaves, stems, and roots all contain this sap. It can also be found even after the death of the plant. Urushiol is speedily absorbed into the skin. Inhaling urushiol particles in the air is probable during poison plant combustion. Aside from skin irritation, contact with urushiol will produce irritation of the nasal passages, throat, and lungs. This is especially true when it is inhaled. Poison plants like poison sumac and poison ivy is widespread in the US with the exception of the Southwest deserts, Hawaii, and Alaska.
Poison ivy vines are typical in the Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern areas of the country. In the northern and western it exists as shrubs. Poison ivy is easy to identify. Just count the number of leaflets and you will know. It will always have three leaflets attached. Seven to thirteen paired leaves on a stem of a woody shrub characterizes poison sumac. A green and drooping cluster of berries differentiates poison sumac from harmless sumac. Red, upright berry clusters generally grow on harmless sumac. Poison sumac prefers to inhabit wet and swampy habitats.
Sulfite Allergy
Sulfites, a group of sulfur-based compounds, may be added to food as enhancers and preservatices. The Food and Drug Administration has given an estimate of 1 in 100 individuals who have sensitivity to sulfites. Sensitivity to sulfites have vague roots. Moreover, it may arise in an individual at any given time.
Sulfite reactivity in sensitive individuals range from mild to severe. Sulfite use on fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw was banned by the FDA on 1986. The FDA now requires manufacturers to list sulfites, if used, on their product labels. A variety of cooked and processed foods have added sulfites in their ingredients. Fresh foods no longer contain sulfites. Wine and beer production processes produce sulfites.
People who experience sensitivity reactions to sulfites should steer clear from products containing sulfites. Habitually reading food labels should be practiced by sulfite sensitive individuals. When eating out, it is best to inquire from the person cooking your meals if sulfite was used at any time during preparation.
