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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.

5 Foods That Can Trigger Allergies You Didn't Know About

Many of us are familiar with common food allergies like those to peanuts, shellfish, or dairy.

However, some foods that seem harmless can also trigger allergic reactions, and they often go unnoticed because they're not usually seen as allergens.

Food allergies can cause symptoms ranging from mild, like itching or a runny nose, to more serious reactions like swelling or trouble breathing. It's important to know which foods might cause unexpected reactions so that you can make informed choices, especially if you or someone in your family has a sensitive immune system.

If you've been experiencing strange symptoms but can't pinpoint the cause, it could be related to one of these surprising foods. Here are five foods you may not know can trigger allergies.

1. Kiwi

This small green fruit can also cause allergic reactions in some people. The symptoms include itching, swelling around the mouth, and skin rashes. Kiwi allergies are linked to pollen allergies, so people who are sensitive to pollen may also react to kiwi. If you notice any tingling or discomfort after eating kiwi, it's a good idea to avoid it and speak with a healthcare provider.

2. Bananas

Bananas may seem like an unlikely allergen, but for some people, they can cause an allergic reaction. This is due to something called "latex-fruit syndrome." People who are allergic to latex may also react to bananas because they contain proteins similar to those in latex. Symptoms can include itching in the mouth or throat, swelling, and even digestive issues. If you have a latex allergy, be cautious with bananas and other tropical fruits like avocados and chestnuts.

3. Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds are becoming more popular in many diets due to their health benefits, but they can also cause serious allergic reactions. Sesame allergies are more common than people realise and can lead to symptoms like hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Since sesame is hidden in foods like baked goods, sauces, and dressings, you need to check food labels carefully if you suspect an allergy.

4. Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a surprising source of allergies for some people. They're part of the legume family, so people with peanut or soy allergies might also be allergic to chickpeas. Reactions to chickpeas can include stomach pain, skin irritation, and even more severe symptoms. As chickpeas are common in many vegetarian and vegan dishes, it's important to be aware if you or someone in your family has a sensitivity.

5. Corn

Corn can cause allergies that are overlooked. Symptoms such as skin rashes, headaches, and stomach discomfort are common with corn allergies. Corn is found in many everyday items, from popcorn to corn syrup, so it can be tricky to avoid. For people with corn allergies, it's essential to read ingredient lists carefully, as corn is a hidden ingredient in many processed foods.

ALSO READ: 7 common food allergies most people don't know they have

Allergies: Types, Symptoms And How To Find Relief

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies — making allergies the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the…

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies — making allergies the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Allergies are basically your immune system's overreaction to normally harmless substances, such as pet dander, pollen or certain foods, and they can affect anyone.

[Read: How to Treat Seasonal Allergies.]

Types of Allergies

— Drug and medication allergy. Medications that can cause allergies include antibiotics, insulin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

— Mold allergy. Molds and mildew can trigger an allergic reaction. Because these fungi grow indoors and outdoors, a mold allergy can occur year round.

— Pollen allergy. This type of allergy is set off by pollen from grasses, plants and trees. Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis, are usually at their worst in the spring and/or fall, depending on what type of pollen you're allergic to.

— Food allergy. Common allergens include milk, peanuts and shellfish. An allergic reaction occurs within minutes of eating the food, or in severe cases breathing in particles of the food.

— Latex allergy. If you have a latex allergy, you may have an allergic reaction if you come in contact with latex — either through skin contact or by breathing latex fibers in the air. Natural rubber latex gloves, some bandages, balloons and condoms all contain latex. Synthetic latex does not cause latex allergy symptoms.

— Insect allergy. Bees, wasps and fire ants are the most common stinging insects that can cause an allergic reaction. Dust mites and cockroaches are the most common cause of year-round allergy and asthma.

— Pet allergy. Allergies to pets with fur are common. When you have a pet allergy, you are actually allergic to a protein that's found in the pet's dander (dead skin cells), saliva and urine.

The incidence of allergies, including food allergies, seems to be increasing. It's not precisely clear what might account for that, though theories abound, like the so-called hygiene hypothesis. That posits that our modern obsession with cleanliness has left children less exposed to germs that equip their immune systems to tackle real threats. And so, as it relates to allergies, "our bodies are looking for something to basically attack," explains Dr. Joseph T. Inglefield III, an allergist in Hickory, North Carolina, and a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

[SEE: Best Allergy Medicines: Antihistamines]

Allergy Symptoms

As the body tries to rid itself of the perceived threat, a person develops symptoms that can range from mild to severe and sometimes fatal:

— Itchy, watery eyes

— Runny or stuffy nose

— Sneezing

— Hives, or red bumps that can itch on the skin

— Stomach cramps

— Vomiting

— Swelling of the mouth and face

— Wheezing or difficulty breathing

— Feeling faint or light-headed

In the most dire scenario, a person may experience anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, a severe life-threatening allergic reaction, for example to foods like nuts, eggs or shellfish, an insect sting, medication or latex. In the most serious cases, anaphylaxis can result in swelling of the airways that prohibits breathing or a dangerous drop in blood pressure, which can be fatal.

[READ: Food Allergy vs. Food Sensitivity: What's the Difference?]

Allergy Causes

Antibodies, or blood proteins, are produced to counteract diseases and other foreign substances that induce an immune response. And the antibody immunoglobulin, or IgE, causes allergic reactions. Certain people are more likely than others to have this so-called IgE-mediated reaction to an allergen, whether that's a mold spore or a medication, pet dander or pollen.

Factors that increase the risk for developing allergies:

— Being a child — although many adults also develop new allergies.

— Race, African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians are at higher risk than whites.

— Most strongly influencing one's chances of developing allergies is genetics, or a family history of allergies.

Allergy Prevention

While you can't change who you're related to, there are some things families can do that may lower a child's risks of developing allergies.

Breastfeeding is promoted to bolster overall health and immunity, and when foods are introduced, it's recommended that kids get a wide variety.

Food allergies

Food avoidance was once encouraged as a strategy, but in healthy children without present allergies that's not advised today. That's because the latest data indicates that introducing some potentially allergenic foods, like peanuts, early could be protective. In particular, research on infants at high risk for developing a peanut allergy shows that when they were given peanut butter products when they were at least four months old and less than 11 months, they were far less likely to develop a peanut allergy.

"This was a really big breakthrough," says Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a pediatrician at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, who has led separate research on food allergy prevalence.

Environmental allergies

In other cases, it's still thought that limiting certain exposures may help, like with dust mites that might trigger allergy or asthma symptoms. If your child is at high risk of developing allergies, there are steps you can take to control dust mites, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. It recommends using zippered, 'allergen-impermeable' covers on pillows and mattresses and wash bedding in hot water weekly. Indoor humidity should be kept below 50%. If possible, carpets and upholstered furniture should be removed from your infant's bedroom.

Why Your Allergies Are So Bad

You're not imagining it. Seasonal allergies from pollen are getting worse. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology cites climate change as a contributing factor to worse allergens and more severe allergy seasons. According to the academy, climate change affects the production and protein composition of pollen and the way it disperses. It also changes rainfall and wind patterns. Changes in the climate impact the pollen seasons of trees, grasses and plants by increasing the amount of pollen they produce and by extending the duration of the pollen season.

You can mitigate the effects by showering after being outdoors, staying inside on windy days, wearing a pollen mask and starting allergy medications before symptoms begin.

Allergy Testing

For all those who have a doctor-diagnosed allergy, many more report that they think they have allergies — but have never confirmed it. Researchers find, for example, that a significant proportion of people who think they're allergic to food aren't — and may be avoiding it unnecessarily. What's more, some people may have a food intolerance, or another distinct issue like celiac disease, in which wheat causes an immune response — rather than, say, a wheat allergy. (In that case, problems attributed to celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity often aren't, so sorting that out can be important too.)

"There are so many food-related conditions," Gupta says. "So getting into an allergist and getting tested is really critical to truly determine if it is a real food allergy, and then to learn how to manage it."

In addition to going over a person's family history and discussing symptoms, allergy testing is frequently done to home in on what precisely is causing the allergic reaction.

"The most accurate method is skin testing — where we take a little bit of the allergen and we expose the person's skin to that and see if they develop an allergic reaction on the skin," says Dr. Thomas Luft an internist at UnityPoint Health practicing in Pekin, Illinois. "We look for a little welt that kind of looks like a mosquito bite — it turns red, and kind of itchy — that tells us they're allergic to that particular or specific thing."

Allergy blood tests are also sometimes used. In that case, instead of taking the allergen to the patient and testing it on their skin to see if they're allergic, blood is drawn and taken to the lab to test for allergy-specific antibodies. But this type of testing is less sensitive and accurate than skin testing, Luft says.

[READ The Best Home Food Sensitivity Tests]

Is There a Cure for Allergies?

Some people who have an allergy to a specific food, for example, develop a natural tolerance to that food with age, so that they essentially "grow out" of their allergy. But there's no cure, per se, for allergies.

Even so, there are a number of things that can be done to reduce or even essentially eliminate ongoing symptoms, the most powerful of which is to avoid the allergen. In some of the most dramatic examples, people who move to a different area where certain pollens that triggered allergic reactions aren't prevalent, report experiencing dramatic improvement. And in a simpler more confined scenario, a person who is allergic to cat dander, who doesn't keep a cat in the home and avoids encountering cats elsewhere can also avoid uncomfortable allergic reactions.

Avoiding the allergen is first and foremost key and by far the most successful strategy, Luft says. However, he and other experts note that to do this 100% of the time, in all scenarios, is often impossible.

So medications like antihistamines and steroids that are available over-the-counter as well as some prescription medications are sometimes recommended to reduce symptoms, like those that may occur with seasonal allergies.

In some cases where symptoms are more severe and persistent and to avoid long-term medication use, allergy shots, or immunotherapy, may be recommended. "That's exposing them to just very tiny amounts of the allergen incrementally," Luft explains, so that the person's immune system adjusts. "Then they have less allergic response when they're exposed to an allergen."

This involves getting regular injections of increasing amounts of allergens initially about once or twice a week during a build-up phase usually lasting from three to six months. Then, during the maintenance phase, injections are given with longer periods of time in between, ranging from two to four weeks.

It can take a year to see improvement, and shots are generally continued for three to five years. After that, a wait-and-see approach is typically taken — where some patients do well after the shots are stopped, and others see symptoms return that require additional treatment.

With any medications — even those obtained over the counter — it's important to discuss side effects, and that's especially true for drugs taken on an ongoing basis. Side effects vary by the drug but can include drowsiness, and even in some cases an allergic reaction to an allergy medicine. The primary risk with allergy shots is having a severe allergic reaction to the allergen up to anaphylaxis. Given that, it's always important that allergy shots are administered in a doctor's office where swift action could be taken if a severe reaction occurs to prevent serious problems from occurring, Luft says.

In addition, epinephrine auto-injectors, aka EpiPens, are prescribed; these can be self-administered if a person is in the throes of a severe allergic reaction. While it's a simple injection, experts emphasize it's still critical to be educated by a health provider in advance and trained on how to use an EpiPen.

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