某些食物也會引發(fā)乳膠過敏！

A latex allergy occurs when the body's immune system instigates an attack when coming in contact with natural rubber latex. The substance that causes this reaction is derived from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree (via Cleveland Clinic). Latex can be found in various products, including rubber gloves, balloons, and some condoms. Fortunately, the chances of developing a latex allergy are rare, occurring in less than 1% of Americans.

當(dāng)身體的免疫系統(tǒng)在接觸天然膠乳時引起攻擊時，乳膠過敏就會發(fā)生。引起這種反應(yīng)的物質(zhì)來自巴西橡膠樹的汁液。乳膠可以在各種產(chǎn)品中找到，包括橡膠手套、氣球和一些避孕套。幸運的是，發(fā)生乳膠過敏癥的幾率很小，只有不到1%的美國人會發(fā)生這種情況。

The severity of an allergic response to latex can vary, according to Cleveland Clinic. Some may experience more mild symptoms such as rashes, a runny nose, or sneezing. Other reactions can be life-threatening, including anaphylaxis. While many healthcare facilities have implemented the use of latex-free gloves,those that haven't may be putting individuals at an increased risk for developing a latex allergy from ongoing and consistent exposure.

根據(jù)克利夫蘭診所的說法，乳膠過敏反應(yīng)的嚴(yán)重程度可能會有所不同。有些人可能會出現(xiàn)更輕微的癥狀，如皮疹、流鼻涕或打噴嚏。嚴(yán)重反應(yīng)則可能危及生命，過敏反應(yīng)也包括在內(nèi)。雖然許多醫(yī)療機構(gòu)已經(jīng)使用了無乳膠手套，那些沒有這樣做的人可能會因為長期、持續(xù)的接觸而增加個人患乳膠過敏的風(fēng)險。

But medical products aren't the only items that can prompt this allergic response. As it turns out, certain foods can also stimulate a latex allergy. How can this be so?

但醫(yī)療產(chǎn)品并不是唯一能引發(fā)這種過敏反應(yīng)的產(chǎn)品。事實證明，某些食物也會刺激乳膠過敏。怎么會這樣?

According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, up to 50% of people with latex allergies also experience reactions to certain vegetables and fruits that the body interprets as latex. Why does this occur? Certain foods, also known as latex cross-reactive foods, are composed of proteins structured similarly to those found in latex. When coming in contact with these foods, the body can respond the same as it would with natural latex.

根據(jù)過敏與哮喘網(wǎng)絡(luò)(Allergy & Asthma Network)的數(shù)據(jù)，高達(dá)50%的乳膠過敏者對某些蔬菜和水果也有反應(yīng)，身體將其誤認(rèn)為乳膠。為什么會發(fā)生這種情況?某些食物，也被稱為乳膠交叉反應(yīng)性食物，由結(jié)構(gòu)類似于乳膠的蛋白質(zhì)組成。當(dāng)接觸到這些食物時，身體會做出與天然乳膠相同的反應(yīng)。

Such food items can prompt mild to severe allergic reactions, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network. Foods with low cross-reactivity include coconut, grapes, cucumber, wheat, shellfish, peanuts, and chickpeas. Foods with moderate cross-reactivity include apples, potatoes, celery, carrots, and tomatoes. Those with the highest cross-reactivity include kiwi, avocado, chestnuts, and bananas. It's recommended that those who are allergic to latex avoid these foods. If you suspect you may have developed an allergy to latex, consult a physician to get tested.

據(jù)過敏與哮喘網(wǎng)絡(luò)(Allergy & Asthma Network)稱，此類食品可能引發(fā)輕微至嚴(yán)重的過敏反應(yīng)。交叉反應(yīng)性低的食物包括椰子、葡萄、黃瓜、小麥、貝類、花生和鷹嘴豆。具有中等交叉反應(yīng)性的食物包括蘋果、土豆、芹菜、胡蘿卜和西紅柿。交叉反應(yīng)性最高的包括獼猴桃、鱷梨、栗子和香蕉。建議那些對乳膠過敏的人避免食用這些食物。如果您懷疑自己可能對乳膠過敏，請咨詢醫(yī)生進(jìn)行檢測。