You At Your Best

Found in balloons, rubber bands, bandages, and more, latex can trigger allergic reactions in some people. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, contact with products that contain latex can trigger allergic reactions, which may occur after breathing in latex fibers in the air or after skin has come into contact with latex. There are two types of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex. An IgE-Mediated latex allergy is an allergy to natural rubber latex proteins that occurs when the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies produced by the body's immune system react with latex proteins, resulting in allergy symptoms. IgE-mediated allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Cell- mediated contact dermatitis is another type of reaction to natural rubber latex that, unlike IgE-mediated latex allergy, is not life-threatening. The AAFA notes that these reactions are usually a byproduct of a person's sensitivity to any of the many chemicals used to create latex products rather than a reaction to the latex proteins themselves. Irritant contact dermatitis is another common reaction to natural rubber latex, though it is not an allergic reaction. Symptoms of allergic reactions to latex include itchy or swollen lips after blowing up a balloon; itchy, red or swollen skin after using a bandage; and swelling or itching of the mouth or tongue after a dentist uses latex gloves. SpECiAl TO NWA DEMOCrAT-GAzETTE Allergies can cause a many different symptoms, but what many don't realize is that allergic reactions can affect your hearing. Hearing loss caused by allergies is often a form of conductive hearing loss. The transmission of sound is blocked during its journey from the outer or middle ear into the inner ear. How does this happen? If allergies cause a reaction on the skin like itching or swelling of the outer ear and ear canal, it can prevent you from hearing clearly. Allergies can also lead to fluid building up in your middle ear, and this fluid can block your Eustachian tubes (as when you're congested from a cold). As a result, you can get the feeling that your ears are full or clogged and experience some measure of hearing loss. Since fluid buildup can be a breeding ground for bacteria, it can also lead to ear infections and further damage your hearing. "Since hearing loss can significantly affect your health, it should never be taken lightly," says Dr. Dustin Richards, audiologist and owner of Wolfpack Hearing Clinic. "Even if you think it's just a symptom of your seasonal allergies, delaying treatment can make its effects even worse." While it may be difficult to tell the difference between hearing loss caused by allergies and sudden hearing loss, a medical professional can make the distinction and recommend the best course of treatment to protect your hearing. Contact Wolfpack Hearing Clinic today for a hearing evaluation, hearing aid cleaning or to talk more about allergies and your hearing. Wolfpack was voted Best Hearing Center, Dr. Richards Best Audiologist and the clinic was recognized for Best Customer Service in the 2018 Best of Northwest Arkansas contest. Allergies and your latex allergies Coexisting with furry and feathered friends By KArEN riCE NWA DEMOCrAT-GAzETTE Even people who don't own pets may have pet dander in their homes. Pet dander is the tiny, sometimes microscopic skin shed by cats, dogs and other warm-blooded animals, such as rodents and birds. Pet dander can be carried into homes on people's clothing, which is how even homes and offices without pets likely have pet dander in them. Though dander is natural, it's also an allergy trigger for many people. But pet allergies are not entirely a result of pet dander, as the American Lung Association notes that allergens come from sources other than pets' skin. For example, the ALA notes that urine and feces from cats, dogs and other pets can cause allergic reactions in some people. Dust from dried feces can suspend in the air and eventually be inhaled by people with allergies, triggering a reaction. Pet allergens can maintain their strength for several months by sticking to clothing, walls and other surfaces. Pet owners with pet allergies can still keep their pets, but they must be prepared to make extra efforts to comfortably coexist with their pets. Removing wall-to-wall carpet, keeping pets off of furniture and keeping a home clean and free of clutter are some ways for pet owners to reduce the symptoms of their pet allergies. Wearing a mask while vacuuming also can reduce the severity of allergy attacks, as vacuums stir up dander and other allergens. hearing Did you know? pet owners with allergies must be prepared to make extra efforts to coexist with their pets. 12 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST ApRil - AllERgiES | SATURdAY, mARch 30, 2019 Located in East Fayetteville 2630 E Citizens Dr. #7 (479) 957-9300 wolfpackhearing.com Our patients succeed. You will, too! Best BestNWA.com of Northwest Arkansas the

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