As our most recent installment of Ask An Allergist, our partner, Dr. Frank Lichtenberger, answers questions about latex allergies as well as morning time coughing and sneezing for smokers. Take a look, and if you have questions you'd like us to answer, send them along via email, chat, FAQ submission, or phone.

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Balloons make it difficult for me to breathe. If natural rubber is latex, and I have latex sensitivities are latex-free products safe for me to use? – submitted by Latex Allergic

Latex allergy is one of the most severe allergies that can affect people. Some people have allergies to only the latex gloves that used to be very common in medical practices. Unfortunately there are a few people with severe latex allergies that can react to hardened, or cured/ammoniated latex. People with this severe of an allergy have a difficult time with all forms of latex, even the thick processed gloves used for cleaning. If balloons make it difficult for you to breathe, I highly recommend formal evaluation from a local Allergy or Pulmonary specialist to determine if you have brochospasm. I cannot provide more specific recommendations, given the complexity of the issue.
– Dr. Frank

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I've smoked for several years now, and have never really thought that I had allergies, but recently I've noticed a little congestion in the morning that goes away pretty quickly. Additionally, I notice that ever since I can remember, I get up and during the first hour, I sneeze like 3-6 times. It's one after another after another, then it's gone. Could that allergies? Or something else? – submitted by Sneezy

First thing, and above all else, you must quit smoking.

Paroxysms of sneezing (the rapid-fire sneezing you are describing) tend to come from a short circuit in the nerves that go to the nose/pharynx. When there is inflammation (yes, it could be from allergies) these nerves are highly excited and can go into a repeat fire process that can last up to several hours. I have seen some people that have even developed neck pain from these. So, to answer your question, many things can cause nasal inflammation, allergies, viruses, particulates……smoke….., and finding out what is causing your inflammation will help you stop sneezing.
– Dr. Frank

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Author: Kevin Gilmore