Latex allergy or not?
I saw an allergist recently and was tested w/ bloodtest for latex allergy. It came up negative for latex,but positive (level I) for banana and kiwi. I saw her b/c for years I have had obvious problem w/ latex,worsening over this last year. I can't have husband use condoms anymore, I get UTI like symptoms,pain,itching,swelly feeling,very uncomfortable. For a while I kept getting treated for utis, but it seemed like only help was not using them at all. Then I got tape reactions from csections medical tape,bad itching,swelling, marks lasted 6m on my skin, then if I wear rubber gloves within 24hrs I have red bumps all over arms, same w/ baby nipples, I bought latex once by accident, and fingers were itching and I then I realized they were latex. For this last year I have been plagued w/ sinus issues, on and off short of breath,etc. I also noticed it was worse during my period so thought it was hormonal.THEN I read tampons can have latex,I switched to all cotton and no longer got the short of breath feeling during period. I was thinking maybe it was connected but then test shows negative. chest xrays,ct scans show no lung issues and it is not all the time, it seems like a reaction to something when it is happening, my throat will be tingly for a day or two, shortness of breath on and off feeling,etc. Then it is gone. I was also thinking seasonal, but tested negative to all 52 skin pricks. So based on a negative bloodwork even with the skin issues from touching latex do you agree w/ my doc I am not allergic?Thanks
Hi Beachmom,
Well, it certainly sounds as though you could be allergic to latex. Anecdotal evidence is often the first way we notice we are allergic to something. You present a strong pattern of symptoms arising after exposure to latex products.
I found an article by a physician on the American Family Physician website that talks about latex allergy: Read the article here
In it, she talks about latex-specific IgE testing. If your doctor did not do that particular type of test, you might ask about having the IgE test instead. Also, the article talks about allergy to banana and kiwi as being indicators of possible latex allergy.
It seems to me that with your pattern of symptoms and other allergies, you might want to get a second opinion on the latex allergy diagnosis. Meanwhile, I think it would be wise to keep avoiding latex as much as you can. You already know that you are having symptoms after exposure to it, so an official diagnosis is only going to confirm what you already are seeing. Avoiding latex can't hurt, and it could help you avoid a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
To your health,
Kathi
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Kathleen MacNaughton
Friday, July 31, 2009 at 01:30 PM
You don't really get rid of allergies. You just have to learn to live with them. The best way to do that is to avoid all contact with your triggers... if possible. If that isn't possible, then medication is the next step. For some types of allergies, allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, may also be a solution. Talk with your doctor to discuss which options are best for you.
I have developed an allergy from papay and banana smoothies. My arms from the elbow down, wrists and hands are swollen and from my knees down to my toes. I burn like a sun burn in these areaa and it is very painful to touch. I have also developed what look like pus pimples spots in these areas... they never break open, but leave a scar and when you press on where they were it is painfully deep to the bone! Anyone have these symptom and know what to do? Getting a dr. is not an option - made for I made an appoitment with a neurologist in May and have to wait until Sept. So I made another with an interists and wait on this appointment too. I can't squat and it is very painful trying to go down stairs - my legs feel so tight like they will burst
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Kathleen MacNaughton
Friday, July 31, 2009 at 01:33 PM
Sorry to hear you're having a rough time. You have to wait a long time for doctor's appointments where I live too... even if you're sick. What I've done, and it may be an option for you too, depending on where you live, is to visit an Urgent Care center. These are medical facilities designed to help those who have urgent medical problems that do not require emergency care. They usually take you as a walk in and the prices are fairly reasonable. Something to consider. I really do think you need medical consultation for this problem.
Good luck,
Kathi
Yes, reafirming - how do I get rid of this?