Gluten allergy: causes, symptoms, diagnosis

An allergy is a hypertrophied immune response of the body to external and internal stimuli. Allergens can include food, dust, animal hair, cosmetics, household chemicals, medications, etc. Allergy to toothpaste is a common phenomenon that many people encounter every day.

It is noteworthy that signs of an immune reaction to a given product are not always localized directly in the mouth area. Thus, characteristic rashes can appear on the skin of the face and neck, mucous membranes; in severe cases, the consequences of the body’s immune response to toothpaste can even affect the functioning of internal organs.

Signs of a toothpaste allergy

1. Contact dermatitis. An allergy to toothpaste can manifest itself as rashes in the corners of the mouth and around the lips. If treatment is not started, the disease spreads to other parts of the body.
2. Dermatitis on the eyelids. Itching occurs, reddish pimples may appear in the form of acne. This is how the body reacts to fluorides in toothpaste. The rash spreads evenly to the patient’s lips, cheeks, chin and nose.
3. Wounds, ulcers. They develop on the oral mucosa and gums. Open wounds cause great discomfort and pain after brushing teeth with toothpaste, eating, or swallowing saliva.
4. Cheilitis. It is the most basic symptom of an allergic inflammatory process from toothpaste. Cheilitis is characterized by irritation, dryness and cracking; in advanced conditions, symptoms develop into swelling and purulent discharge.
5. Stomach upset . When brushing your teeth, some of the toothpaste enters the gastrointestinal tract. If there is an allergy, the internal organs also begin to react to the disease. From the gastrointestinal tract - this is pain, flatulence, all kinds of disorders.

Other signs when allergy sufferers use toothpaste

• Having difficulty breathing;
• Hives;
• Conjunctivitis;
• Anaphylactic shock;
• Inflammatory process in the gums.

Toothpaste ingredients that cause allergies

Allergic reactions to toothpaste occur mainly due to the body's failure to accept one of the ingredients in the toothpaste. But pain, irritation, etc. can also appear as a result of natural additives, for example, mint.

In addition to the fluoride element, the following substances can stimulate allergies:

• Essential oils, parabens and papain;
• Cocamidopropyl betaine;
• Propylene glycol;
• Sodium benzoate.

Allergies to other foods

If you are prone to allergies to toothpaste, there will be no exception to the tendency to allergic reactions to toothpastes with flavors, mouthwashes, and chewing gum.

Therefore, it is very important to identify which substance in the toothpaste causes an allergic reaction. An allergen can only be identified using special skin tests and allergy tests in a clinic setting.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis

The distinctive symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:

• sudden acute onset of runny nose;
• characteristic itching in the nose and frequent sneezing;
• nasal discharge is copious, mucous, transparent;
• due to mucus secretion, breathing through the nose is difficult, which forces patients to breathe through the mouth and cough;
• deterioration or absence of smell;
• itching and sneezing provoke lacrimation;
• there is tension and a burning sensation in the eyes;
• absence of elevated body temperature.

Treatment of allergies to toothpaste

It is very important not to ignore the manifestations of negative consequences that appear after brushing your teeth with toothpaste, especially if they began to manifest themselves early. If you notice symptoms of an allergy, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to make a correct diagnosis and begin proper treatment of the allergy.

Methods to prevent toothpaste allergies:

1. After introducing toothpaste, you need to carefully rinse your mouth and face, especially in the corners of the mouth.
2. Buy a toothpaste that has as few ingredients as possible, or a hypoallergenic toothpaste.
3. Avoid introducing products that contain fluoride. Also, do not drink fluoridated water.
4. Avoid applying too much toothpaste to your brush to reduce exposure to allergens.
5. Try not to swallow the dentifrice.
6. You should not give preference to toothpastes with natural ingredients. They may contain rare mixtures of herbs, which can be powerful allergens.

Irritations that are not related to toothpaste allergies

With severe sensitivity of the mouth, after brushing the teeth, symptoms identical to an allergic reaction may appear.

If you often change toothpastes, and the inflammatory process still occurs, your face will show all signs of irritation that are not related to allergies.

In such cases, dentists recommend using certain brands of toothpastes with a minimum content of flavoring additives and oils.

For people with sensitive teeth and gums, it is recommended to use the following brands: Sensodyne, Oral-B, Sensitive Advantage. Also, do not press the brush too hard on your teeth. Buy a toothbrush with medium-spectrum soft bristles.

Toothpaste allergy medications

The pharmacological industry currently produces a fairly extensive list of drugs that are available without prescriptions, but they should only be used after a visit to the doctor.

The most effective remedies for toothpaste allergies include:

• Enterosorbents;
• Telfast;
• Diazolin;
• Claritin;
• Diphenhydramine;
• Tavegil and many others.

They are produced in the form of: tablets, sprays, aerosols, drops (eye and oral) and syrups.

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Solution

How to cope with the consequences of the body's allergic response to toothpaste: the best thing is to seek help from a dentist, who will determine the allergen that caused the reaction and select the correct complex therapy. Usually, to combat the consequences of allergies, drugs are used - enterosorbents and, of course, antihistamines (Diazolin, Telfast, Claritin, Diphenhydramine, Tavegil). The dosage and type of medications are selected by the doctor.

Symptomatic therapy for an allergic reaction to toothpaste:

• local anti-inflammatory drugs (ointments, gels, aerosols) - Cholisal, Actovegin, Kamistad-gel.
• Antiseptics for treating mucous membranes (Miramistin).
• Vitamin A, sea buckthorn oil and other agents that accelerate wound healing.
• In cases of severe pain and increased body temperature, patients are prescribed analgesics (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen).
• Vitamin complexes to combat immune dysfunction (Alphabet, Undevit).

Important! To combat local allergy symptoms, it is advisable to use Metrogyl Denta paste, a drug with antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and wound-healing properties. This remedy is applied to wounds (ulcers) on the mucous membrane 2-3 times a day until they completely disappear.

Dentists say that improper use of dental floss and mouth rinses can also lead to rashes, irritation of the mucous membranes and cause inflammation of the gums

For allergy symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract, you can use proven folk recipes:

• pomegranate juice copes well with diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and other discomfort in the digestive tract;
• You can make this healthy cocktail at home: 1 tbsp. l. mix tomato juice with 1 tsp. ginger, add ½ tsp. salt and lemon juice. This remedy will help to get rid of allergic manifestations as soon as possible, improve well-being, and restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

How does the disease manifest itself?

An allergy to toothpaste does not necessarily have to manifest itself directly in the mouth; the symptoms of the pathological process can be localized much more widely and spread to the skin, mucous membranes and even the internal organs of a person. Clinical manifestations can develop either instantly or after some time. So, the main symptoms of an allergy to toothpaste include:

• contact dermatitis, where the allergic reaction manifests itself in the form of rashes in the mouth area, that is, around the lips and in the corners of the mouth. The disease requires immediate treatment, otherwise the allergy will spread to other parts of the body;
• dermatitis on the eyelids, where an allergy to toothpaste manifests itself in the form of itching and red pimples. These symptoms may be acne-like, so the body reacts to fluorides, which may be contained in a hygiene product. If no action is taken, the rash will spread to the cheeks, lips, and chin. What this pathological process looks like can be seen in the photo below;
• ulcers and wounds are localized on the mucous membranes of the mouth and gums. Open forms of wounds give the patient a lot of discomfort and unpleasant sensations, especially after brushing teeth, eating and even swallowing saliva;
• Cheilitis is the main symptom of a toothpaste allergy and is characterized by mouth cracking, dryness and irritation. If left untreated, the process can lead to swelling and purulent discharge. You can see what the symptoms of cheilitis look like in the photo below;
• gastrointestinal disorders. As a rule, when brushing your teeth, a small part of the toothpaste enters the stomach, and if a person is allergic to this product, then, accordingly, the internal organs begin to react. This negative reaction manifests itself as pain, flatulence, disorders such as nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting.

In addition to the main allergy symptoms listed above, there may be other manifestations in the form of breathing problems, urticaria, conjunctivitis, and inflammation in the gums. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may develop, which requires immediate hospitalization and professional medical care.

As a rule, an allergy to a toothpaste product occurs due to the body's intolerance to one of its elements. But it is worth noting that unpleasant pain and irritation can also develop from natural supplements in the form of mint. In addition to fluoride, the following can cause an allergic reaction: essential oils, sodium benzoate, parabens, propylene glycol, papain.

"Sugar is not an allergen." Pediatrician - about food allergies, hay fever and atopic dermatitis

Is diathesis from sweets really a myth? Are there allergies to the weather? Is it even possible to outgrow this condition? These and other questions from parents are answered by pediatrician, allergist-immunologist, professor of the Department of Pediatrics and Children's Infectious Diseases at Sechenov University Daniil Munblit.

An allergy is a non-standard reaction to something very standard and common. To put it in a very exaggerated way, an allergy is always a reaction to protein. Our body does not react to an apple as an “apple” - it reacts to the specific protein that makes up this or that product.

Everything we eat and breathe consists of various proteins, that is, proteins. When we eat eggs, we get proteins that are part of the egg. These are the conditional “bricks” from which the egg is built. The same thing, for example, with pollen - an allergic reaction appears to its proteins.

We don't know why people with allergies develop allergic reactions to foods that others eat without any consequences. An allergy can occur to any product or substance that contains proteins, and during the life of any person.

How is an allergy different from a food intolerance?

It's a question of mechanism. The most traditional and classic type of food intolerance is lactase deficiency, when a person is unable to break down lactose, that is, milk sugar. Lactase, in turn, is an enzyme that allows lactose to be broken down. If there is not enough lactase in the body, manifestations from the gastrointestinal tract appear.

An allergic reaction is a response from our immune system. A person eats, for example, an egg, which contains protein, to which he has a classic allergic reaction of the immediate type. The human immune system, his “Ministry of Defense,” sees that the enemy has arrived. We have antigen presenting cells - they act as butlers. The system encounters an allergen, butler cells report: “The allergen has arrived!” And the body reacts immediately, because it is interested in instantly getting rid of the allergen protein. This immediate type reaction develops within seconds and minutes, less often - a couple of hours.

The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction:

• Edema
• Hives
• Itching
• Bronchoobstruction (narrowing of the airways)
• Cough
• Vomit
• Acute reactions from the gastrointestinal tract

Can allergies be outgrown?

Yes, children do often “outgrow” allergies to certain foods. This primarily applies to eggs and milk. In most cases, the allergy ends by the beginning of puberty, maximum by the time you enter university. Unfortunately, there are also foods to which people “outgrow” allergies much less often - these are, for example, nuts and peanuts. In 80-85% of cases, this allergy remains for the rest of life.

One of the signals that a child will “outgrow” an allergy is a different reaction to heat-labile and heat-stable proteins of the same product. The first ones are destroyed during heat treatment, the others are preserved. If a person reacts to a heat-labile protein, then he will neutrally tolerate the product after heat treatment.

Let’s say a child tolerates baked goods that contain an egg, and if he simply eats it, he gets an allergic reaction. This is a very good sign, which indicates that in the future this allergic person will be able to tolerate eggs in a less thermally processed form.

Can allergies arise from frequent consumption of the same foods? For example, if you eat eggs all week?

I can't really imagine such a situation. It happens that a person calmly eats a certain product all his life, and then one day he discovers an allergic reaction to it. But such an allergy will not go away instantly - once it appears, it will be with the person for a long time, and if we are talking about the occurrence of food allergies in an adult, then most likely until the end of life.

In adulthood, allergies to eggs or milk are extremely rare. Most often, adults are allergic to seafood, shrimp, nuts, and peanuts. But a situation where a person has allergies for a week and not for a week is impossible.

Are there allergies to the weather?

A reaction to the weather itself cannot be an allergic reaction. But there are natural phenomena that can contribute to the development of an allergic reaction, for example, thunderstorm asthma. People suffering from respiratory allergic diseases may experience its consequences when walking in a park or forest after a thunderstorm.

Natural conditions cause pollen clumps to absorb moisture and shrink, or when bombarded by heavy raindrops, they explode and become finely dispersed. This makes them easier to penetrate into the respiratory tract.

Also, after rain, mold actively grows, so people who are allergic to mold fungi (that is, the proteins that make up their composition) react and are forced to cope with the consequences of a weather phenomenon that is harmless to others.

What can be a food allergen?

Anything can be an allergen. Among the “children’s” allergens, the most common are: milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts, nuts, fish, seafood and, in recent years, kiwi and seeds. The prevalence of allergies to certain foods also varies somewhat depending on sociocultural characteristics and diet in different regions.

In Asia there is an exotic dish - bird's nest soup. They take birds' nests, boil them and eat them. In those Asian countries where this dish is common, there are people allergic to this soup.

What influences the development of allergies?

If the child's parents, mother or father, have allergic diseases, the risk of developing allergic diseases in the child increases sharply.

There is also the so-called “hygienic” hypothesis. She says that previously people encountered bacteria and viruses much more often, lived in direct contact with domestic animals, in very different conditions with an insufficient level of hygiene. Now in developed countries, on the contrary, it is popular to fight various infections - people treat everything around with antibacterial wipes and teach children to do this. Because of this, contact with bacteria and viruses is minimized, the load on the immune system is reduced - and allergic diseases appear more often.

Is it possible to be allergic to sugar?

There is no such thing as a sugar allergy because sugar is a carbohydrate, not a protein. Additionally, sugar has no effect on how the body responds to proteins.

The impossibility of an allergy to sugar does not mean that sweets cannot cause allergies at all. The reaction may appear to proteins of other products that are part of the dessert.

In addition, the child may develop what in Russia is usually called a pseudo-allergic reaction to dyes and preservatives that are included in the products. It can manifest itself in the form of itching and skin rashes.

Let's take jelly bears, which children love - they contain many dyes, which can cause a pseudo-allergic reaction. Of course, it is uncomfortable for the child, but it has nothing to do with allergies and does not lead to severe anaphylactic reactions that are life-threatening.

How to distinguish atopic dermatitis from food allergies?

The manifestations of various non-allergic reactions are often associated with allergies, but in fact they are only sometimes associated with it. For example, atopic dermatitis and food allergies are often equated. But in reality these are different diseases. I often hear the phrase from mothers: “It pours on everything.” If your child is rashing on everything, the rash is most likely not related to a food allergy.

Exacerbations of atopic dermatitis can occur from stress, temperature changes, hard water, and contact with certain types of synthetics or wool. There can be many reasons, so it is important to consult with a specialist rather than take tests yourself. Otherwise, you can simply waste money or, even worse, find diseases that the child does not have.

Atopic dermatitis remains - you need to look at the dynamics of each individual patient. However, if atopic dermatitis sharply worsens after eating specific foods, you should think about the possibility of a food allergy and consult a doctor. Often a child needs to be tested for food allergies when it comes to severe, intractable atopic dermatitis in young children. Other signs of a food allergy may include delays in physical development, especially if the child regularly experiences severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

How to deal with food allergies?

The most effective way is to eliminate the allergen from the diet. If you do not come into contact with the product, then there will be no reaction. You need to understand that you don’t need to exclude everything. If we are talking about an allergy to egg whites, you need to exclude eggs. But there is no need for a global diet.

And, of course, there is no need to remove red or orange foods, which parents very often do.

It must be remembered that the reaction does not occur to the product or its color, but to a specific protein that is part of the product

Sometimes a person can independently understand whether he has an allergic reaction by detecting hives and difficulty breathing after taking a certain product. But people tend to exaggerate: many find they have allergies that they actually don’t have. Allergic diseases should always be diagnosed by a doctor.

In addition, simply removing the product from your diet will not be enough. If we are talking about a milk allergy, a person will need to eliminate milk, fermented milk products, and the milk of other animals - in 90% of cases, a person with an allergy to cow's milk will be allergic to the milk of many other animals (for example, goat). The diet is also prescribed by an allergist. And if several foods are excluded at once, it is worth consulting with a nutritionist on how to properly build a diet taking into account the exclusion of several foods.

Call to all parents:

You should not make allergy treatment decisions on your own. Don't hesitate to contact specialists. This is not a question of conformity to the norm, but a question of help and support. Do not self-medicate - it leads to even greater problems, as we often see. In my practice, there was a child with bronchial asthma who received treatment with “inhalers” and everything was fine. But since the active ingredient in the inhaler was a hormonal drug, my mother, like many parents, was very frightened. At some point, she decided to treat her son with homeopathy. A week and a half later, he found himself in serious condition in the hospital in a state of suffocation, where they tried to pull him out of this state. Since then, my mother no longer went to homeopaths. So why start and put the child’s life at risk?

How does allergies affect your life?

In the spring, allergic rhinitis worsens in children with allergies as a result of a reaction to flowering. They constantly sniffle and sniffle, sometimes becoming the target of bullying because of this. This affects the general physical and psychological condition of the child.

Allergic rhinitis - hay fever during the dusty season - makes it difficult for children to concentrate on anything other than allergy symptoms, which are poorly controlled by medications.

In the worst case scenario, the presence of an allergy can lead to the development of anaphylaxis, which can also develop in children with food allergies. It can be fatal, but fortunately this is extremely rare.

Just during the period of exacerbation of allergies, teenagers take exams for admission to university, not only in Russia, but also, for example, in the UK. There was a study that showed that children with symptoms of allergic rhinitis or children taking first-generation antihistamines, which cause drowsiness, performed worse on exams. As a result, the proposal to allocate a separate exam window for children with this disease was seriously discussed.

What determines the severity of an allergic reaction?

Predicting the severity of an allergic reaction is extremely difficult. The human immune system reacts not only to a specific protein, but also to a combination of different factors when consuming this protein.

The level of protein load that is part of the product also depends on the amount of allergen consumed. The difference between 2ml of milk and 200ml is huge - and the amount can affect the likelihood and severity of a reaction.

You also need to take into account the context of the situation. For example, an allergy sufferer drank milk before exercising. Active physical activity can cause a severe allergic reaction, including the development of anaphylaxis.

An example from the practice of a London professor I know: a teenage girl with a peanut allergy who was well aware of her reaction. She did everything right - she checked the ingredients, watched what she bought and consumed. One day, in a familiar candy bar, where there shouldn't be peanuts, there were peanuts. The girl spat out the piece, but already felt swelling developing. She forgot the syringe pen with adrenaline, which could have helped her in this situation, at home. She got scared and decided to run home to get a pen. The distance was about a 10 minute walk. As a result, she fell and died before reaching a few meters.

It is likely that if she had simply walked calmly or stayed where she was and called an ambulance, she would not have developed the anaphylactic reaction that ultimately killed her. Unfortunately, the combination of allergen consumption and physical activity resulted in death. This happens extremely rarely, but it happens nonetheless.

In reality, an anaphylactic reaction is rarely fatal. We cannot always say exactly why in some cases the attack ends in death and in others not. And, although this is due to the mentioned factors in the course of the reaction, it is not possible to predict its course, and therefore we simply advise you to avoid foods to which the patient is food allergic.

How to help an allergy sufferer

Of course, the provision of assistance depends on the age of the child. If we are talking about a small child, then parents should help him first of all. They should also be sure to notify school teachers and parents of friends in whose home the child may spend time about the risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction. To relieve symptoms from the respiratory system, bronchodilators are usually used, which is quite logical: during an attack, the lumen of the bronchi decreases, and it becomes difficult for the child to breathe. The same thing can happen with anaphylaxis.

In the West, many children suffering from allergic diseases always have a pen with adrenaline with them. Parents and medical staff of the educational institution where the child studies have the same ones. In Russia, syringe pens, unfortunately, are not registered, so you cannot buy them in a pharmacy. But you can order it on the Internet - at customs, most likely, a parcel with injectors will not be turned around, it is not a narcotic drug.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to find an adequate analogue of a syringe pen. The whole point of such a device is that a person can quickly inject adrenaline into his muscle. Someone carries an ampoule with adrenaline and a syringe separately, but the fact is that the person himself will not be able to quickly inject himself with this substance.

A study was conducted in which nurses, intensive care unit nurses, doctors and patients were asked to inject themselves with a certain dose of adrenaline under normal, non-stressful conditions. The only ones who coped more or less well were the intensive care nurses. And we were talking about normal, not stressful conditions.

When we talk about the fact that a person will administer adrenaline to himself without preparation and in a stressful situation, there is always a risk of administering the wrong dose of the drug. Especially if it's a child. However, people sometimes carry ampoules and syringes with them - this is better than nothing.

A home first aid kit for a child with allergies should include:

• Second generation antihistamines (eg, loratadine or cetirizine). They, unlike the first drugs, do not cause drowsiness.
• Bronchodilators (eg, Ventolin or salbutamol). If the child has asthma or has had cases of bronchial obstruction due to the consumption of certain foods. Such drugs expand the lumen of the bronchi, which narrows during an allergic reaction.
• Syringe pens with adrenaline. If a child is at high risk of anaphylaxis or has had a history of anaphylaxis, it is important to have a pen syringe not only in your home medicine cabinet, but also for both the child and the parent at all times.

If we send a child with friends and relatives for a walk or on a trip, we need to take medications from the home medicine cabinet with us. By the way, it’s more difficult with relatives here. Many mothers and fathers complain to me that grandparents do not believe in the child’s allergies: “Oh, you made it up!” But this goes away after they witness an acute allergic reaction.

The most interesting thing is that often other children, friends of a child with allergies, take his illness more seriously than adults

Although strangers may even offend the child because of his allergies, close friends understand what is at stake, worry, and learn to use a pen.

At the same time, their parents may be more frivolous. Therefore, it is important, when sending a child on a trip with other adults, to explain to them the principle of action of medications and the need for their use, and to explain what needs to be done in case of an unexpected reaction.

How to distinguish ARVI from allergies and prescribe treatment?

The symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and allergies sometimes actually coincide, but they can be distinguished by the presence of temperature and the duration of the disease. Speaking very roughly, ARVI is an acute condition that is accompanied by a rise in temperature, but goes away after a week. Allergic diseases have been a concern for a long time. But to know for sure that the child does not have ARVI, but an allergic reaction, you need to go to the doctor. And it is the doctor who must tell whether we are talking about an allergic disease and prescribe the correct treatment.

A child is not allowed to go to school with an inhaler. What to do?

Unfortunately, if a child is not allowed to go to school with an inhaler, it is easier to change schools. In the West, many countries have “nut-free” schools: you are not allowed to bring nuts, they are not used anywhere, and they are not in the kitchen. There are also schools that do not allow you to bring latex products, for example there are no balloons there.

We have practically no such analogues, but the situation is gradually changing. Previously, parents of allergy sufferers reacted negatively: “What kind of nonsense are you talking about? Your child is just like everyone else.” This is now a rare response to warnings of possible allergic reactions, especially in private schools.

If we are talking about a secondary school where you are not allowed to carry an inhaler and from which you don’t want to leave, you need to get a doctor’s report about bronchial asthma and contact the school nurse with a request to store the inhaler. But this is generally an unlikely situation. The school, on the contrary, is interested in the child having an inhaler and being able to help himself.

What to do if a child begins to choke?

If the child begins to choke, you need to urgently call an ambulance. Speaking of emergency measures, it is worth immediately using a bronchodilator drug if we are talking about a child with bronchial asthma, or we know that he has a food allergy and accidentally ate an allergen.

It is difficult not to see that it is becoming difficult for a person to breathe. Shortness of breath occurs, wheezing can be heard, and the person often takes a forced position. In young children the reaction may be more noticeable. Their body turns on additional mechanisms to inhale as much air as possible, and additional muscles are used. You can see the retraction of the intercostal spaces, or supraclavicular fossae. This is called “recession of the pectoral compliance.”

Can allergy sufferers really benefit from a special conditioner?

Air conditioners with HEPA filters, which have a good degree of filtration of small particles, can make the life of an allergy sufferer easier to a certain extent. This is more relevant for children with allergies to house dust mites and pollen. In such situations, various devices with a HEPA filter - humidifiers, air conditioners - are relevant. However, they are often not enough to achieve control over the allergic disease.

Will moving help overcome allergies?

A person with allergies may benefit from traveling to another country during the flowering season. It helps people with allergic rhinitis. But for people with food allergies, moving will not help, since it always stays with them.

Can food allergies be cured? (Maybe)

Today, children suffering from food allergies can try to get rid of the disease not only by eliminating the product from the diet (in fact, in this case, the allergy remains but does not manifest itself), but also by special therapy.

Oral immunotherapy (also called desensitization and allergen-specific immunotherapy) is initiated only in a clinical setting and consists of giving a person a certain dose of the allergen daily. Gradually, his immune system learns to perceive it normally. The effectiveness of this therapy in patients with food allergies is still the subject of debate, but it is already being actively implemented in university clinics in the USA, Spain, Great Britain, Germany and other countries. In Russia, oral immunotherapy is currently unavailable.

There may be many explanations as to why this method is not so well developed in Russia. One possible reason, in my opinion, may be poor regulation of the judicial system in relation to doctors. Although Russian patients, like those in the West, sign a document stating that they are aware of the potential consequences, the doctor can still face criminal prosecution if the patient ends up in intensive care or dies.

As a result, doctors are afraid to even give a drug that is indicated for the patient, but is not prescribed in the recommendation documents, let alone a treatment method that could potentially lead to anaphylaxis. Perhaps this is why new treatment methods are introduced with great difficulty and fear.

A child wants to have a pet, but he is allergic. Is there a way out?

A pet allergy is truly an allergic reaction of the immune system that classically manifests itself as swelling, hives, itching, congestion, or nasal discharge. The reaction occurs to proteins found in animal hair, dander, urine or saliva.

One treatment option is allergen-specific immunotherapy, for example, for a cat or dog allergen.

In world practice, such immunotherapy is done either subcutaneously or sublingually. If carried out for 3-5 years, allergies to pet hair will significantly decrease.

In Russia, cat or dog allergens are not registered, so such treatment cannot be carried out in the country, and some parents take their children abroad to initiate it there, and then continue to take sublingual therapy upon returning to their homeland.

Another option currently being explored is vaccinating cats to reduce levels of a protein that people are most allergic to. There is also work to vaccinate people. Now such a remedy for relieving allergies to cats is being developed at Sechenov University.

Finally, there are cat foods that reduce the production of one of the proteins that many people are allergic to. But people react to different proteins and to different levels, so to prove the effectiveness of feeds, we need to collect an evidence base and do more high-quality research so that specific recommendations can be made.

Photo: Shutterstock/MiMaLeFi

Link to publication: mel.fm

Sensodyne

Sensodyne toothpaste is designed to whiten teeth with increased gum sensitivity. It contains 13 components, 4 of them are natural, and 9 are obtained synthetically. Moreover, 5 of the 9 ingredients of the paste are on the packaging itself.

The natural and practically safe components of Sensodin include water, sorbitol, silicon and silicic acid.

Synthetic components and their effects on the body need to be considered in more detail:

• Glycerin. Consists of fat and water, which separates it into fatty acids and glycerol. Glycerin is used as a humectant, but research has shown that Glycerin draws moisture from the lower layers of the skin, not from the air. As a result, this increases the dryness of the mucous membranes and skin, which in turn increases the likelihood of irritation;
• Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate (K4P2O7). Potassium pyrophosphate is powder or white crystals that dissolve well in water. Used to improve the structure of hygiene and detergents. When inhaled, it irritates the walls of the respiratory tract and has a negative effect on the skin and outer membranes of the eyes. Belongs to the group of components that are dangerous in terms of the development of allergies;
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Made from fatty acids derived from coconut oil. In pastes it is used as a surfactant. ABOUT;
• Potassium Chloride (potassium chloride). Regulates the structure of toothpaste. Refers to hazardous components. Can lead to: irritation of the nasopharynx, bronchi, throat when inhaled, vomiting and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested, disruption of blood flow and weakness, negatively affects the functioning of the heart. In excessive quantities it causes death. Skin and eye irritation – lacrimation, hyperemia.
• Cellulose Gum is a semi-synthetic substance made from cellulose. Binds the main components and stabilizes them, regulates viscosity. A complex of synthetic components that provide the aroma of toothpaste. A. An allergy can occur either to one of the components of the complex or to the smell of the product;
• Sodium fluoride “Sodium Fluoride4. Marked on the packaging as a hazardous component. May be fatal if inhaled in large quantities or if swallowed. Poisoning by fluoride ions is indicated by weakness, nausea, followed by diarrhea and vomiting. If left untreated, the negative effects continue and fluoride affects the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney systems. Possible death due to respiratory paralysis. A dangerous dose of sodium fluoride is 5-10 grams; Sensodyne paste contains 0.31 percent of the total composition of this component. Allergies manifest themselves in the form of weakness, nausea, irritation of the mucous membranes;
• Sodium Saccharin is a synthetic sweetener that improves the taste of the paste;
• Titanium dioxide (CI 77891). It is a natural mineral, a white dye.

POPULAR WITH READERS: “Dr. Popovich Center for Allergology and Immunology”

The instructions for use of Sensodyne paste indicate that the effects of the components of the product may not appear immediately. This means that allergies, as well as other dangerous changes in the body when using this product, can occur after several months or even years of trouble-free use of the product.

Hypoallergenic toothpastes for dental care

Pastes with a hypoallergenic composition are suitable for use on an ongoing basis if you are allergic to hygiene products or in case of hypersensitivity to their main components.

ZERO BALANCE

Belongs to the Splat line of pastes. The transparent gel contains silver ions, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances. No flavorings, triclosan, chemical components, fluorides, or menthol are used in the production of the paste.

Logona

Based on brown algae extract, it does not contain preservatives, foaming agents, aromatic additives or fluorides. But there is mint oil, so if you are allergic to menthol, you should not use it.

Weleda

Salt hygiene product based on plant extracts. There are no dyes or flavoring additives, fluorine, SLS, or preservatives. Weleda can be used continuously.

Jason (JASON) strawberry and banana flavor

Designed for babies from 6 months. Developed in the USA with the participation of dentists and pediatricians. The cleansing complex consists of fruit enzymes, oat bran, and calcium lactate.

The paste is safe to swallow, has a gentle effect on the gums and mucous membranes, and does not cause irritation.

Zero balance

Another paste from the Splat product line. Contains silver ions, natural antiseptics, disaccharide. Does not contain fluorine, flavors, or coloring agents.

Dentalux Complex 3 Krauter Fresh

Products of the Russian company Vilsen. It is declared as a hypoallergenic product, but you need to take into account that it contains mint and chamomile.

How to cope with the disease

Naturally, first of all, it is necessary to eliminate the allergen that causes such unpleasant sensations. Therefore, you need to go to a doctor who will help you determine which element of the toothpaste you are allergic to and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The main methods of preventing an allergic reaction include:

• after using this hygiene product, you must rinse your mouth very thoroughly, especially in its corners, and wash your face;
• It would be best to replace your toothpaste with a hypoallergenic one;
• do not consume products containing fluoride, including avoiding drinking fluoridated water;
• try not to apply too much toothpaste to the brush;
• Do not swallow the product while brushing your teeth.

Among drug therapy in the treatment of this type of allergy, the following are used: Enterosorbents, Telfast, Diazolin, Diphenhydramine, Tavegil, Claritin and many others.

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Why do jams, spots, rashes and other “charms” appear?

There are several reasons why an allergy to toothpaste occurs. And they all have one common pattern: the immune system’s rejection of the additional components that make up the product.

Here are some of the reasons that most often cause an allergic reaction:

1. Foaming - many pastes contain sodium lauryl sulfates. The action of these substances is aimed at increasing foaming. Excessive foam can negatively affect the functioning of the respiratory system.
2. Varied taste and aroma - this effect is achieved by adding various flavors, dyes, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. Many of the components listed may cause an allergic reaction.
3. The presence of fluoride - this component protects the enamel and restores it through remineralization. Fluoride fights various bacteria, neutralizes putrefactive processes, and prevents the occurrence of caries. But for all its benefits, this is a very aggressive substance, and allergies to fluoride contained in toothpaste are not uncommon.
4. Bleach is an abrasive substance that prevents the formation of tartar, just like dyes and flavors can cause a negative reaction in the body.
5. Antibacterial additives are products aimed at fighting bacteria. Some of them can cause a response from the body.
6. Barrier function – protects sensitive endings from exposure to aggressive environments.

Diagnostics

Only the attending physician can determine the nature of the runny nose. An examination and study of the medical history, assessment of the patient’s well-being will help in making a diagnosis.

During the examination, the doctor pays attention to the patient’s pale skin and dry lips due to mouth breathing. To distinguish an allergic runny nose from a cold, laboratory tests are prescribed.

If the runny nose is of a cold nature, a blood test shows an increased number of leukocytes (white blood cells) and an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (red blood cells) when analyzing the ESR, which are signs of the infectious nature of the disease.

The appearance of a large number of eosinophils (one of the types of leukocytes) in the blood indicates the allergic nature of the disease.

A survey of the patient often indicates hereditary factors for the occurrence of rhinitis. The doctor will note manifestations of skin or intestinal lesions and prescribe allergy diagnostics. This is important, since allergic rhinitis often provokes conjunctivitis and leads to bronchial asthma.

Causes

Contact with synthetic substances in toothpaste is a factor that provokes redness of tissues, the appearance of ulcers, wounds, rashes, and cracking of the mucous membrane. Allergic inflammation develops when histamine actively enters the bloodstream, when the stability of mast cells is disrupted, and the sensitivity of peripheral receptors increases.

The main allergens in toothpaste:

• propylene glycol;
• papain;
• sodium benzoate;
• parabens;
• fluorides;
• essential oils;
• cocamidopropyl betaine;
• dyes and fragrances;
• rarely - natural supplements (citrus, eucalyptus or mint extract).

Allergy to toothpaste ICD code – 10 – T66 – T78 (section “Other and unspecified effects of external causes”).

How to recognize allergic bronchospasm and how to provide first aid? We have the answer! Instructions for using Zaditen eye drops for allergic reactions are described in this article.

Allergic reaction - how to identify and stop the process?

Doctors have proven that an allergic reaction is the result of a malfunction of the immune system. Therefore, the symptoms of the disease can not only be external (manifestations of allergies on the skin or mucous membranes), but can also spread to internal organs.

There are several characteristic signs that indicate an allergy to toothpaste:

1. The development of dermatitis on the lips and the appearance of sticking in the corners of the mouth . Timely treatment and prevention will prevent the disorder from spreading to other organs.
2. The occurrence of dermatitis in the eyelid area . The disease has the appearance of a pinpoint rash, reminiscent of acne. Without proper treatment, the rash can move to the lips, nose, chin, and cheeks.
3. Manifestation of a negative reaction in the form of wounds and ulcers in the mouth . This condition is accompanied by severe painful sensations that occur precisely after brushing your teeth or eating.
4. Redness of the mucous membranes with increased dryness, which causes the formation of cracks . In a neglected state, the formation of edema in the form of ulcers is possible.
5. Gastrointestinal disorder . This reaction is possible if toothpaste gets into the digestive system if a person is predisposed to allergic reactions.
6. Disruption of the respiratory cycle occurs due to pulmonary edema . This is an allergic response of the body. In severe form, it can lead to the development of Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock.

What is gluten and why is it harmful?

Gluten (another name for gluten) is the unifying name for a group of similar proteins found in cereals: wheat (gliadin), rye (secalin), barley (hordein), oats (avenin). It is due to these proteins that the dough becomes so soft and elastic when kneaded.

Cereals, although they occupy an important place in the diet of many people, can still be harmful to the body. Intolerance or allergies can cause disruption of the digestive system, chronic intestinal disorders, etc.

Features of manifestation in children

Despite the fact that the symptoms of an allergy to toothpaste are similar in childhood and in adults, sometimes the child’s body reacts specifically to the components of the product. In this case, the pathological reaction is accompanied not only by rashes, itching and hyperemia, but also by general malaise. The main signs of allergies in children are:

• severe redness on the face;
• burning in the mouth;
• drowsiness, lethargy;
• fatigue, moodiness;
• upset stool, nausea;
• moderate hyperthermia;
• inflammation of the mucous membrane and skin around the mouth.

Prevention

An allergy to toothpaste can occur at any age, and this applies even to people who have not had such problems in the past. The following recommendations will help prevent the occurrence of pathology:

• If you have a history of hay fever, it is advisable to purchase pastes that do not include extracts of various herbs and essential oils;
• Preference should be given to products of light and white shades. The absence of dyes significantly reduces the risk of allergies;
• Pastes marked hypoallergenic are less likely to cause allergic reactions;
• After purchasing a new toothpaste, you need to do an allergy test. To do this, squeeze a small amount of the product onto clean skin of the wrist and observe the changes. The appearance of burning, itching, rashes, and redness are indicators that the product contains components that your body considers dangerous;
• It is undesirable to use pastes with fluoride, as this component can negatively affect the condition of the entire body;
• You should not use too much toothpaste at one time. For high-quality cleaning, a strip 1 cm long is enough;
• After brushing your teeth, the oral cavity should be rinsed several times with clean water;
• You should not swallow toothpaste, even for children.

How to prevent and stop a negative reaction?

At the first sign of an allergy, you should completely stop using your toothpaste. If you know what specific substances give such a reaction, then you need to buy a new one, without them in the composition, but if you were unable to identify the irritating components yourself, you should take tests to identify them. In any case, going to the doctor should be mandatory.

The doctor will prescribe antihistamines, such as Telfast, Diazolin, Claritin, Tavegil, Zyrtek, etc. Activated carbon, Filtrum or Enterosgel will help to enhance the effect and remove the toxic substance.

Before visiting the dentist's office, you need to do some things that will help alleviate the painful condition or even get rid of negative consequences:

• After each brushing of your teeth, you must rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove as much toothpaste as possible;
• choose a hypoallergenic paste or a product with a minimum set of different ingredients;
• stop using toothpaste containing fluoride, and also stop drinking fluoridated water;
• To brush your teeth, apply a minimal amount of product to the brush to reduce exposure to allergens;
• When brushing your teeth, try not to swallow the toothpaste.

What to do during an acute attack and how to treat it

If you have an acute attack, you need to take the following drugs that have a minimum number of side effects: Telfast, Diphenhydramine, Claritin, Tavegil, Filtrum.

If the allergy affects the gastrointestinal tract, then medications should be used:

1. Enterosgel. The drug quickly relieves pain and restores the gastric mucosa.
2. Activated carbon. The absorbent removes all toxic substances from the body.

In order to prevent the attack from happening again, you should strictly follow the recommendations of experienced doctors: use hypoallergenic paste when brushing your teeth, do not swallow the paste, do not apply too much paste to the toothbrush, rinse your mouth thoroughly, avoid the use of fluoride, as in products nutrition and in cosmetics.

Choosing a hypoallergenic hygiene product

The purpose of using toothpaste is to remove plaque. To do this, use abrasive substances calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate.

They are very aggressive and can cause allergies. Therefore, it is better to give preference to a product based on titanium dioxide or silicon.

In some regions, the fluoride content in water does not reach the required levels, so doctors recommend replenishing the deficiency of this element using fluoride-containing pastes. But it is better to give preference to fluorine in organic form. In this case, the manufacturer indicates aminofluoride or olaflur on the packaging.

It is better to choose a product without taste or color, since dyes and preservatives can be harmful to use. It is better to use natural ingredients as a thickener: pectin, resins, agar-agar. To improve taste and freshness, mint, menthol, and vanillin are preferable natural flavoring additives.

Hypoallergenic toothpastes:

1. Splat Zero Balance . Hypoallergenic paste, does not contain flavors, preservatives, dyes, essential oils, phosphates, fluorine. The active components are presented in the form of Perilla seed extract, Lysozyme enzymes, silver ions, arginine.
2. ROCS . All hygiene products from this manufacturer have an abrasive effect on the one hand, and a pronounced therapeutic effect on the other. Does not contain preservatives.
3. Century East . This oral hygiene product actively fights bleeding gums, is intended for daily use, and prevents caries. These properties are possible due to the presence of medicinal herbs and oils in the extracts. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are effective for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, stomatitis, and halitosis.

dentazone.ru

Tips for allergy sufferers

The correct choice of toothpaste for people with allergies is important not only to ensure dental health and high-quality oral hygiene, but also to prevent severe immunopathological reactions, which may include anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, laryngospasm and other severe manifestations. In order not to pose a threat to your own life (and some allergic reactions are life-threatening conditions), when choosing a toothpaste, you should be guided by the recommendations given below.

1. Peppermint essential oil is a stronger allergen than menthol. Menthol is a secondary metabolite synthetically derived from peppermint oil, converted into a boric acid ester, so it has a lower allergenicity, although it can also provoke allergic reactions. People with allergies to mint and menthol should choose toothpastes with artificial mint flavors (if they are not allergic to them).

2. Pastes with the addition of sodium lauryl sulfate are not recommended for regular use even for healthy people , and people with allergies should completely abandon such products and switch to pastes without the addition of SLS. If a person needs the paste to foam strongly, it is better to choose products with the addition of sodium laureth sulfate: it acts less aggressively and is less irritating to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.
3. If a person suffers from any form of allergies, it is not recommended to choose pastes with the addition of any essential oils for daily care . Oil of fir, juniper, larch and other conifers has a good anti-inflammatory effect, but can cause irritation and allergies, so allergy sufferers should buy products based on decoctions and infusions (the concentration of tannins, odorous resins and other substances in them is several times lower than in oil).

Note! If you have increased oral sensitivity, you should also avoid toothpastes containing flavors and dyes. Preference should be given to classic white pastes that have no taste (or with a weak taste and aroma).

Treatment

It is not so difficult to identify an allergen using an examination. One of the mandatory points in treatment is visiting a doctor for consultation and prescribing further treatment.

The point is that you need to identify what substance your body is reacting negatively to. Try to apply as little toothpaste as possible to your brush and purchase a hypoallergenic toothpaste.

Rinse your mouth after any contact with toothpaste. Do not use products that contain fluoride. Treatment should be started as soon as you notice allergy symptoms. The following drugs will help you in treatment: Diphenhydramine, Telfast, Claritin. Use traditional methods - this is also one of the most powerful remedies for allergies.

Method of use of the drug "Telfast"

Method of use of the drug "Claritin"

Features of the symptomatic picture in children

Children's toothpaste does not always guarantee that your child will not have allergies. Typically, children have an allergic reaction to a component called Limonene . It is the prototype of citric acid found in fruits.

The danger of allergies in children is that it can provoke a number of inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat, chronic urticaria, asthma, and sometimes, in the absence of timely help, an attack of suffocation can lead to death.

Let's sum it up

Allergy to toothpaste, although rare, is an insidious disease. Its insidiousness lies in the fact that it may not appear immediately, but after a few days. Those. The so-called cumulative effect may work. This disease is also often confused with food allergies.

You need to understand that even the use of the most hypoallergenic dental and oral hygiene products (according to the manufacturer) cannot guarantee that the body will not have a negative reaction to them.

Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, which we wrote about above, analyze what you or your child ate and what toothpaste you brushed your teeth with. Well, then you already know what to do. Good luck.

Folk remedies

1. To reduce itching in the mouth, you need to drink a tincture of dill and water, after leaving it in a thermos for five hours.
2. If skin dermatitis occurs, take baths with herbal decoction for 15 minutes at least three times a week.
3. Wipe your skin with apple compresses.
4. Take more vitamin C to boost your immunity.
5. Prepare a mixture of duckweed and water, wipe the affected areas of the skin with it twice a day.
6. Another good way to reduce itching is sour cream. Apply it to redness and massage the skin with gentle movements. This procedure is necessary for the skin three or four times a week.
7. A decoction of elecampane helps reduce itching. Boil this mixture for 10 minutes over a fire and take one tablespoon at least three times a day.