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Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 10/02/2010 09:07 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 10/04/2010 07:12 AM
Expires: 01/01/2015 12:00 AM
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October 3rd~9th is Latex Allergy Awareness Week~by Peggy Rourke Nichols
October 3-9 is Latex Allergy Awareness Week. It is observed nationally to bring more attention to this unusual allergy. When I was diagnosed in 1998 only 3% of health care workers had this allergy. As of 2006 the statistics have increased. Approximately 1% of the general population now has this allergy (about 3 million people). 10-17% of health care workers now have this life changing allergy. Up to 68 percent of children with spina bifida have a latex allergy. Approximately 220 cases of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) and three deaths per year are reported due to latex allergy. These are startling numbers, in my opinion. ....
There are two types of reactions to natural rubber latex proteins. The first one is a delayed hypersensitivity, or Type 4 reaction, to the chemicals added to latex during processing. The second one, the more serious type, Type 1,is an immediate hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex proteins. I have both types of the allergy which makes life much more of a challenge. “Following exposure to latex, allergic reactions can produce a variety of symptoms in a matter of minutes or a few hours later. Mild allergic reactions to latex can involve skin rash/redness, hives or itching. More severe allergic reactions to latex may involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat and asthma symptoms. In the most severe form of allergic reaction, anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock may occur. This is a rare but life-threatening reaction and is not usually the first symptom of a latex allergy. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention because breathing can stop and blood pressure can “crash.” Epinephrine must be given within minutes of an anaphylactic reaction to counteract the severe and life-threatening allergic symptoms.” http://www.dental1.org/edu_ctr/eduCenter_pf.cfm?bulletinid=3
There is no treatment for a latex allergy. Strict avoidance of all latex proteins is the way I stay safe. I wear a medic alert bracelet and dog tag in case I am found down and unresponsive.
I am writing this since more people with a latex allergy have moved in to the area. I want them to know that they can receive latex safe medical care from Ebbetts Pass Fire District. In the past I used to have to carry my life saving medicine and medical equipment with me all the time. Because we have worked together, over the years, to establish a latex safe treatment policy
I no longer need to this except when I leave our town. One of the most important points is when someone calls 9-1-1 for medical assistance; the caller states “This person has a latex allergy”. That way, by the time the paramedics and first responders arrive, they know to initiate the latex safe treatment policy. They proved their readiness by saving my life this spring when I went to the Arnold Family Medical Clinic and they had to call 9-1-1 on my behalf. When they heard the call was for me, they initiated their latex safe treatment policy and were able to start latex safe treatment when they arrived. Mark Twain St. Joseph Family Medical Clinic in Arnold has switched over to a latex safe environment so I may get routine and urgent care there, if need be. They quickly transported me to Sonora Regional Medical Center where I received latex safe emergency intervention.
They called the hospital emergency department, en route, so they could set up a latex safe treatment zone for me in the E.R. The diligence of the E.R. and I.C.U. staff members made a huge difference in my survival.
Many businesses in Arnold have created latex safe policies so I can live safely in our community. Big Trees Market now uses nitrile gloves, instead of the old latex gloves they used to use daily. By changing over, they have saved their employees from possibly getting this allergy. It is such a relief to know that I can shop locally and not worry about potential exposure to the natural rubber latex proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction. They have stopped selling latex balloons, which is another high risk exposure for any one with a latex allergy. You won’t see me at any event that uses latex balloons for decorations or celebrations. I may miss out on a parade or two, but I do understand that the balloon man needs to stay in business. Snowshoe Brewery has learned about latex allergy and can safely prepare a meal for me, or anyone who alerts them to their special need for a latex safe meal. Several of the area restaurants have changed over to good old fashioned hand washing or non-latex gloves, so anyone with a latex allergy can enjoy a meal out, with a well timed phone call before arrival. They are also very attentive to the potential multiple food allergies that may come along with an allergy to latex and will cook allergy safe meals, when asked. My husband, my latex cop, and I are so appreciative of all the businesses in town that have helped us over the years. We let them know what my special needs were and they were more than happy to help. If they are not a latex safe place for me to enter they will still help by shopping for me. Small town living gives me the peace of mind I need to live with this challenging allergy. If you see me with my pink respirator on it means that there may be latex proteins I am avoiding. Don’t be afraid to ask, if you see me with it on, as every moment is a teachable moment, when it comes to latex allergy.
Our car is clearly marked with latex allergy alert signs so, if I get in an accident, the first responders know not to approach while wearing latex gloves. Angels Camp Fire Department proved this last winter when I was downtown and had an anaphylactic reaction. As the fire fighter approached my vehicle, he saw the signage and stopped everyone from approaching until they switched to non latex gloves. You may have seen the car around town. Now you know why it has the signs on it. That gives me more freedom from living in our latex safe dome home. If you do see the car and have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask and I can give you the NIOSH, from the CDC that explains more about natural rubber latex allergy.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/latexalt.html#background
I am also writing this so that the children in our community, who may have this allergy, may be treated with a new found respect and understanding of what a life challenging allergy this is. With Halloween right around the corner this presents a challenging time for kids with a latex allergy. Many Halloween events use latex balloons for decorating and some costumes are made from latex. Being a kid at heart, we will have latex safe, Halloween decorated house. Even though there are fewer trick or treaters these days, I still decorate and enjoy the night. If one person reads this and was thinking about having a Halloween party, maybe they will make it a latex safe event so all children may join in the fun. Many school supplies used to be made out of natural rubber latex. This school year brought about a huge change in school supplies. STAPLES and Wal-Mart now carry a full line of latex free school supplies. The class room environment needs to be changed so a child with a latex allergy may go to school with out risk of exposure. This may cause some minor inconveniences, like no balloons for science experiments, but an individualized education plan can help a child stay in school with their friends. The teacher and school nurse will learn how to administer the life saving epinephrine, as indicated. A close circle of school pals can help a child with a latex allergy, lead a happy, latex safe school life, if they learn what is needed. Here is a great link to help parents and kids learn about latex allergy and how to help.
http://www.latexallergylinks.org/child.html
I hope that you have found this topic interesting enough to check out some of the links provided.
http://latexallergylinks.tripod.com/;
http://www.latexallergyresources.org/information/
I hope that it opens your eyes, minds and hearts to some special needs within our community. Some day, I hope that latex safe medical care will be available everywhere. Until then, I will continue to teach latex allergy awareness and reach out to those who are in the position to help.
Thank you to ThePineTree.Net for giving me a voice during Latex Allergy Awareness Week, October 3-9, 2010.
In all things important—be well
Peggy Rourke-Nichols
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