Aluminum allergy is hypersensitivity that occurs in response to environmental, dietary or intentional exposure to aluminum for example in vaccination. One may experience symptoms such as itchy red rashes, muscle pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma. Therapeutic management can be by use of prescribed creams or oral medications to address irritated skin to relieve itching. Also, the cause may be identified to avoid the allergen.
Content
- Aluminum allergy
- Symptoms
- Avoiding all types of aluminum
- Severe or moderate aluminum allergies
- Aluminum free backing powder
- Coping with aluminum allergies
- References
Description
Aluminum allergy is rare because allergic contact from aluminum has previously been considered unusual. But due to its increasing use in daily used products sensitive to people can expect allergic reactions. In recently, there have been reports of pruritic nodules and aluminum allergy arising especially after vaccinations or treatment for allergies. Most symptoms are common to other allergies or medical conditions, thus, its critical for individuals to identify the specificity of this signs to determine the cause so that the allergen can be avoided. This requires a medical test and advice (Hoyt, Schuyler, Workman, Conaway, Heymann, Steinke & Platts-Mills, 2017).
One is exposed to different types of metals that include aluminum on a daily basis. Products used in various activities contain aluminum like water, jewelry, seafood cosmetics, and vaccination. Environmental interactions with this metal are inevitable, it is found in foods, as one of the components of many products. Aluminum extracted from the earth surface has no effects, but when it is ionized or in compound form, it can irritate the immune system. Commonly, allergic reactions are triggered by repeated exposure to this metal.
The irritated immune system produces antibodies to detect foreign substances. Therefore, when hyperactive people come into contact with aluminum in any form IgE antibodies signal the immune system to release protein histamine that reacts with the foreign substance to bring about allergic symptoms.
Symptoms
An individual with aluminum allergic reactions may experience mild to severe distinct signs and symptoms. Itchy red rashes are the main defining sign; the skin is irritated severely making one to scratch it always. Frequent skin scratching, produce rashes that appear red due dermis destructions. A headache is also a common symptom. The allergic reaction causes temperature changes, cause discomfort and psychological stress. All these results to a headache that can range from mild to severe.
Asthma is one of the symptoms in aluminum allergic reaction, where lung alveoli are inflamed as a result of an allergic reaction which stimulates the release of proteins such as histamine that promote the inflammatory response (Ali, Hamilton & Saini, 2017). Thus, the airflow to the lungs is partially impaired. Insomnia comes in as an obvious symptom of this allergy because the reaction is accompanied by itchy skin and scratching especially during the night that renders an individual with sleepless nights. The sleeping patterns are thereby affected. Muscle pain and joint pain are common about aluminum that gets to the body system especially through ingestion or administration as in vaccination. The allergic reaction leads to the production of antibodies that may start acting on muscles cells and joint cells. This produces a lot of pain. An individual can also have a poor memory as a result of discomforts created by allergic reactions.
Avoiding All Types of Aluminum
An individual allergic to aluminum is advised to avoid any interaction with aluminum, that is, dietary food and any products that may be containing aluminum components. Most types foods are likely to get contaminated with aluminum. Its, therefore, encouraged to minimize contamination or be cautious when buying and taking something to ingest. Ensure that anything you consume is an aluminum free environment and it has an indication inscription on it. Thus, it is important to be selective for you to averse this effects (Vargas, Koil & Dehority, 2017).
Severe or moderate Aluminum
Moderate or severe side effects of aluminum can be regarded as safe but the allergic reactions stimulated will increase with its frequency of interaction. Therefore, since aluminum elicits adverse symptoms, it is important for a person allergic to avoid contact and exposure to any aluminum components. If you are giving any food to a friend or family member, it is fair enough to confirm the possibilities of food allergies to avoid exposing them. Give them food that is safe and free from aluminum contamination.
Aluminum free baking powder
Some processed products contain high levels of aluminum, but there are products without aluminum components in them. For instance, when preparing foods that require baking powder, it is important to confirm and ensure that it has no aluminum. Processed products are usually labeled, thus, check the label keenly to make sure it is aluminum free to allergic persons.
Coping With Aluminum Allergies
It is important first, to know the allergens that cause this reactions to avoid them. Skin prick test can determine the allergen. Then it is good to detect the signs and symptoms early to call for interventions before they worsen. Follow medical advice including drug prescriptions and comply with any intervention. Be cautious of daily products that may contain aluminum, so check ingredients before buying a product (Tearprasert, Chatchatee, Poovorawan, Wanlapakorn, Kanasirichainon, Elke & Ngamphaiboon, 2017).
References
Hoyt, A. E., Schuyler, A. J., Workman, L. J., Conaway, M., Heymann, P. W., Steinke, J. W., … & Platts-Mills, T. A. (2017). Changes in production of total immunoglobulin E but not food allergen-specific IgE or IgG4 in at-risk children after exposure to aluminum adjuvant. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 139(2), AB142.
Ali, A., Hamilton, R. G., & Saini, S. S. (2017). The relationship of adult shellfish allergy and co-sensitization with dust mite and cockroach allergens in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 139(2), AB142.
Vargas, K. M., Koil, A., & Dehority, W. (2017). Recurrent Sterile Abscesses After Immunization With Aluminum-Adjuvant Based Vaccines. Clinical Pediatrics, 0009922817728702.
Tearprasert, L., Chatchatee, P., Poovorawan, Y., Wanlapakorn, N., Kanasirichainon, P., Elke, L., … & Ngamphaiboon, J. (2017). Maternal Fish Consumption and Atopic Manifestations in Infants: The Importance of Amount and Type of Fish. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 139(2), AB142.
