Pathogenesis of Celiac Disease and Other Gluten Related Disorders in Wheat and Strategies for Mitigating Them

Latex Allergy: 'A Balloon Could Kill Me'

Liz Knight can no longer read a newspaper or touch the buttons on her remote controls, because they both contain latex

Balloons are a common sight at children's birthdays, weddings, restaurants and shops. But Liz Knight has spent most of her life avoiding them because coming into contact with one could kill her.

As a child, Liz was allergic to dust, animal hair and feathers. By the age of 12, doctors found she was also allergic to human hair. Her long blonde ponytail was duly cut off into a short, cropped style that wouldn't cause any irritation.

It didn't stop there - the extent of her allergies only grew and some of her earliest memories involve being isolated because of them.

"We went to visit a relative when I was four; I think it was an aunt or a great-aunt of mine. She had a budgie - everyone seemed to have them in the 60s and 70s - and I was really bad with any type of feathers.

"I can remember we parked up in the drive, my parents went in with my two sisters, and I couldn't go in. The budgie meant I had to stay in the car on my own. It made me feel very left out - I couldn't do what normal people do."

Liz had to have her long blonde hair chopped off

Liz, from Paignton in Devon, has suffered with irritated skin her whole life. In her 20s, her eczema got infected and led to septicaemia, which left her hospitalised for weeks. But it wasn't until the 1990s, when she was at a fair with her family, that she suspected a latex allergy.

"One of my daughters handed me a handful of these great, big, thick helium balloons and asked me if I could hold them while she ran off to do something. I must have touched my face after holding them because that's when this dramatic swelling started."

Liz, now 56, believes she developed the allergy by repeated exposure to latex from going to the doctors so much, which exposed her already fragile skin to the material.

Her everyday life has been impacted in a multitude of ways. She can no longer read a newspaper, because the ink contains latex. It is the same with the buttons on remote controls, the handle of her carving knife, her blender, mixer and hairdryer, all of which are covered with cling film so she can still use them.

Whenever there are road-works nearby, Liz has to keep her doors and windows closed because the road surface also contains latex. She says she often feels like a prisoner in her own home.

"I often feel trapped. Sometimes I stay at home for up to a week, just because it's safe."

She has to cover her remote controls with cling film because the buttons contain latex

Then four years ago, Liz got confirmation of what she was dreading: her latex allergy had gone airborne. She had walked into a shop with her husband during the winter and her lips instantly swelled and she broke out in hives.

"I went straight back outside and said, 'I don't know what's in there, but something's making me feel really bad'."

They looked back and saw six balloons tied around a stand at the back of the shop. In that case, the latex proteins had been circulating through the heating system. But Liz's allergy is so severe that even if a room has had a balloon in it in the past 48 hours - especially if it has popped - she might have a severe reaction because the latex proteins could still be in the air.

Most reactions cause her to start sweating, her lips swell and she has a feeling of "impending doom". She can normally handle the symptoms by leaving the area, going outside and letting herself recover - although it can take hours to get back to normal.

What is a latex allergy?

Latex is a milky sap from plants like the tropical rubber tree and is collected by drilling into the trunk

It is used to make rubber items such as household and medical gloves, shoes, tyres, balloons and condoms

Allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to something it perceives as a threat, with symptoms ranging from a mild rash to anaphylaxis

Up to 5% of people could have an allergy to latex, according to the NHS, although not all will show symptoms

A tendency to develop allergies can be hereditary, although conditions like asthma and eczema also make people more susceptible

The only way for sufferers to avoid reactions is to avoid latex as much as possible

Regular contact with latex, such as the gloves sometimes used in healthcare professions, will lead to higher chances of a latex allergy, with repeated exposure often making reactions worse

There are experimental treatments to desensitise people from latex, but they are not yet widely available

Source: NHS, British Association of Dermatologists, Globalaai

One recent reaction at her home, however, was more extreme, and left her in serious trouble.

"A few months ago I made a sweet and sour dish using a sachet that had 2% pineapple juice. Within about 15 minutes of eating it I could feel my tongue swelling, and then my throat started going a bit funny. My tongue was getting worse and worse."

Tropical fruits have proteins that are almost identical to the latex protein, and often produce a very similar reaction. She used her Epipen, a self-administered injection of adrenaline which slows the effects of allergic reactions.

Liz was monitored in hospital for several hours to make sure she didn't have a biphasic reaction - a delayed reaction comparable to the aftershocks following an earthquake - and ultimately the symptoms died down.

You might also be interested in

Liz's allergies have had an effect on many aspects of her mental health. Her social circle has "drastically shrunk" and she had to quit an exercise group she attended for years because of the latex in mats, trainers and aerosol sprays.

She has also had to give up her work at a pharmacy due to repeated reactions which were endangering her health, and now feels guilty that she can't contribute financially at home.

Despite all of this, Liz says she's determined not to let her latex allergy completely take over her life. "I can walk, I can do and see things, and I've got to be grateful for the things I do have."

Liz regularly breaks out in hives when she has a reaction

Globalaai was formed in 2016 after its founder, Dr Pooja Newman, had an anaphylactic shock at a concert in Melbourne. A surprise balloon drop left her in intensive care for nearly a week and inspired her to raise awareness of latex allergies around the world.

While recovering, she made a Facebook page to tell her story and the non-profit organisation was founded.

"Part of the reason for this charity is to recognise the trauma people suffer as a result of an anaphylactic event and the issues around feeling discriminated or not included in everyday life," said Dr Newman.

The organisation has developed Epipen stations in public places and has supported the ban of latex gloves in food preparation in several US states, as well as a proposed restriction of balloons in public spaces in Australia.

Liz's work with the group has seen progress in Paignton, with many shops changing their practices on her advice. While recognising the many ways in which her allergies limit her life, Liz's outlook remains positive.

"When it feels really unfair I get a bit depressed about it I suppose, but there's always that feeling that it could be worse. I try to talk to as many people as possible about latex allergies. The more people that know about it, the more things can change.

"I'm determined not to let allergies take away everything in my life, and I'll work to improve things, not just for me, but for other people as well."

Food allergies: How can restaurants protect diners?

Could boy be cured of peanut allergy?

Food allergy alert service begins

How to be a good friend to someone with an allergy

5 Causes For Vaginal Allergic Reactions

A vaginal allergic reaction, or vaginal dermatitis, may occur if you have exposure to allergens like dyes, hygiene products, or spermicide. Your vagina and vulva (external female genitalia) have some of the most sensitive, delicate skin on your body.

Those allergens might lead to vaginal dermatitis, which causes symptoms like irritation and itching. Read on to learn about possible causes of a vaginal rash, irritation, and itching.

Different types of dyes can be irritating to the vaginal area. For example, there might be dyes in clothing, such as underwear, that may lead to a reaction. In addition, you might experience vulvar swelling if you use certain products with chemicals in them, like bubble baths or soaps. Stop using a product if you can trace your symptoms to one of those products. Your vagina does not need douches, intimate sprays, or vaginal wipes to be clean and healthy. Feminine hygiene products can have a negative effect on the "good" and "bad" bacteria inside your vagina. As a result, these products may cause inflammation and irritation. Douching might also lead to: The fragrances in many of those items may also result in a vaginal allergic reaction. You might visit a healthcare provider for an allergy test to find out what's causing your symptoms. Stop using any irritants in the meantime to reduce symptoms. Natural latex is made from the rubber tree and can contain proteins that trigger your immune system, causing an allergic reaction. Symptoms include: Anaphylaxis, which is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction Chest tightness Difficulty breathing Hives Itching Runny or stuffy nose Wheezing Between less than 1% and 7.6% of the population have a latex allergy. These allergies are more common in people who have frequent exposure to latex, including healthcare providers and those who have had multiple surgeries. There are plenty of latex-free options if you have a latex allergy. Look for condoms made from polyisoprene, polyurethane, and AT-10 (a synthetic polyethylene resin). Many drugstores sell sheepskin and lambskin condoms, but those are not as protective against STIs as other options. You might be allergic to your partner's sperm. Seminal plasma hypersensitivity causes severe itching and swelling of areas that come into contact with sperm, such as the vagina. Other symptoms usually include a rash and difficulty breathing. An allergic reaction to sperm rarely leads to anaphylaxis. A healthcare provider can perform an allergy test if you suspect that sperm is to blame. You can avoid sperm or have immunotherapy shots to reduce your allergy symptoms if the test shows that you have a sperm allergy. Many manufacturers pre-coat condoms with spermicide, which is a chemical that kills sperm. You might be allergic to the spermicide coating if latex and sperm are not triggering your symptoms. Spermicides are also available as separate products from condom coatings. You could be allergic to foam or dissolvable film spermicides, for example, that you insert into the vagina before sex. Spermicide contains several compounds, such as benzocaine and nonoxynol-9, which may irritate the vagina. You might try using condoms without spermicide or another type of contraception. A vaginal allergic reaction can cause symptoms like: Burning Irritation or itching Redness Soreness Swelling (e.G., vulvitis, or swelling of the vulva) You can typically treat vaginal allergic reaction symptoms at home by avoiding allergens when possible. You can also apply a cool compress or ice pack to the affected area. Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications may also be helpful. However, if your symptoms do not go away or get worse, consult a healthcare provider. The provider can prescribe or recommend treatments to help reduce genital irritation. A healthcare provider might prescribe a topical steroid, which the skin near your vulva easily absorbs. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, they might also recommend other creams, such as anti-itch, antibiotic, antifungal, or hormonal creams. You might not always be able to prevent a vaginal allergic reaction. There are steps, however, you can take to reduce your risk, such as: Avoid triggers Do not scratch the affected area, which might cause an infection Opt for latex-free condoms, or explore other contraception options Wash your vulva with unscented soap and water. Do not douche or wash inside of your vagina, which cleanses itself. Wash new clothing and underwear before you wear them to get rid of chemical dyes A vaginal allergic reaction can be annoying and uncomfortable, but most are not serious. You'll want to contact a healthcare provider, though, if you develop severe symptoms that do not go away or worsen with at-home remedies. Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop signs of an infection, including: Fever Redness Skin that's warm to the touch Tenderness near the vaginal area Similar Conditions to Vaginal Dermatitis It may also be beneficial to see a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions. Other skin conditions that affect the vaginal area and resemble vulva dermatitis include: Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD): This rare skin condition causes red, itchy, and scaly vulva skin. EMPD is sometimes linked to cancer. Lichen planus: This skin condition normally affects the mucous membranes of the mouth but can appear on the vulvar skin. Symptoms include abnormal discharge, burning, dark-pink bumps and white streaks on the vulva, itching, and soreness. Lichen sclerosus: You might notice burning, itching, and pain during sex. The vulva will appear crinkled, thin, and white and may have breaks in the skin. Lichen simplex chronicus: This skin condition might result from vaginal allergic reaction symptoms that persist for long periods. You may develop thick, scaly plaques on the vulvar skin that severely itch. Vaginal yeast infection: Vaginal allergic reaction symptoms, including burning, redness, and swelling, are similar to yeast infections. Unlike allergic reactions, yeast infections often produce a distinctive thick, white vaginal discharge. Allergy symptoms also will typically show up right away after contact and last two to three days. Vaginal allergic reactions may occur inside the vagina or around the vulva. Chemicals or dyes, fragranced feminine hygiene products, latex, sperm, and spermicide are possible allergens. Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop burning, itching, redness, or swelling after contacting any of those allergens. They can help you determine what's causing your symptoms and advise treatments.

Thanks for your feedback!

How To Relieve Seasonal Allergy Symptoms That Arise In Summer, Plus Preventative Tips To Keep In Mind

Summer allergies can be a hindrance to your plans. 

With flowers in bloom, and warm, damp weather causing mold to form, many find themselves reaching for tissues through June, July and August. 

A person can develop allergies throughout the year for a variety of reasons. There are seasonal allergies that come about from symptoms related to the season and perennial allergies that can happen at any time of year, as they are triggered by indoor allergens such as dust. 

FROM FOOD POISONING TO HEAT STROKE, THESE ARE ILLNESSES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS SUMMER AND HOW THEY ARE TREATED

Here is everything you need to know about seasonal allergies you could experience in the summer and how they can be treated so you can enjoy long days in the sun. 

Why are my allergies so bad in the summer?

What are the symptoms of summer allergies?

When should I see a doctor for my summer allergies?

What helps summer allergies?

How do I know if I have a cold or allergies?

Don't let allergy symptoms get in the way of your summer fun. Learn about common triggers and how to relieve your symptoms. (iStock)

1. Why are my allergies so bad in the summer?

There are many triggers for summer allergies, but one of the most common during June and July is grass pollen, according to Yale Medicine. During late summer and fall, mold and ragweed are common triggers. 

Insects are active in the summer, making bites, predominantly mosquito bites, more common, which can lead to allergy symptoms like itching and redness, depending on the severity of an individual's allergic reaction to a sting. 

Perennial allergies are not confined to the summer. Rather, perennial allergy symptoms appear constantly throughout the year when exposed to a specific allergen, like dust mites, pet dander or mold, according to Yale Medicine. 

STAY FRESH IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER WITH 5 HYGIENE TRENDS FROM DERMATOLOGISTS 

If you notice that your allergies aren't specific to a season, you may be experiencing perennial allergies. 

2. What are the symptoms of summer allergies?

There are many different symptoms you could experience if you have allergies. 

You could experience all or just certain allergy symptoms. 

There are many different symptoms you could experience due to allergies, like itchy, watery eyes. (iStock)

You can experience these symptoms if allergens are inhaled through the nose and lungs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Additionally, an allergic reaction can come from allergens being ingested by the mouth, injected into the body (like an insect bite) or through absorption by the skin, according to the source. 

Common symptoms that are associated with seasonal allergies are itchy, watery eyes, itchy throat and stuffy, runny nose, according to Yale Medicine. 

3. When should I see a doctor for my summer allergies?

You should see a doctor for summer allergies when you have prolonged symptoms. 

 CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

If you are taking over-the-counter medication that isn't working, it may be time to take a trip to the doctor.

A lot of cases can be treated and diagnosed on your own, but there are more severe cases that need the assistance of a medical professional.

You may have to take an allergy test to uncover the specific type of allergens you are being affected by. Then, you and your doctor can work together to create a treatment that is best for you. 

If you have tried home remedies and over-the-counter medicine to help allergy symptoms with no success, it may be time to see a doctor. (iStock)

This could mean immunotherapy, which is typically given in the form of allergy shots or a medicated prescription to treat your symptoms.

4. What helps summer allergies?

Luckily, there are several things you can do to help treat summer allergies. There are actually things you can do before symptoms strike if you're aware of when they'll likely take hold of you.

Shower and change your clothes after being outside to wash off any pollen that may have clung to you. Also, be sure to give your sheets and blankets a frequent wash.

Additionally, get in the habit of checking local pollen levels. These can be found in weather forecasts. 

If there are high pollen counts forecast on a certain day, it may not be the ideal time to mow the lawn or work for hours in the garden. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.Foxnews.Com/lifestyle

Windy days make pollen in the air worse, so keep that in mind as well.

Try avoiding hanging laundry outside because pollen could stick to it and cause a problem for you later on.

It's also important to keep the air inside the house clean through the use of a dehumidifier or an air conditioner. 

There are plenty of allergy medications readily available for those affected by summer allergies. 

To help keep your allergy symptoms at bay, give clothes a good wash after being outdoors. (iStock)

Antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin or Allegra can help you breathe better. 

There are also nasal sprays and decongestants.

5. How do I know if I have a cold or allergies?

Cold symptoms are very similar to allergy symptoms, making it difficult to tell what you are experiencing and what you should do to help yourself feel better. 

With a cold, there are key symptoms that are more likely to appear than in the case of seasonal allergies. For example, you can sometimes have a fever with a cold, according to Mayo Clinic, but never with allergies. 

Additionally, a sore throat and cough are common when it comes to a cold, but more rare in an allergy case, according to the source. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

Also, the duration of a cold is usually shorter than allergies, according to Mayo Clinic. 

Make note of your key symptoms and how long they last to help you determine if you are experiencing a cold or allergies. 

Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital. 

---