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View Full Version : Could this be anaphylaxis (Latex Allergy)


sail44
08-06-2006, 03:28
Hi Everyone. My name is Lonnie and I live in Florida, USA. I just took up diving for a sport and planned some diving in the Philippines and elsewhere. I did my classes and started the pool today. Near the end of 2-2 1/2 hours in the water, I noticed a bump on my upper lip. I noticed that is started to puff up a little. When I got to my truck (after securing our equipment), I noticed it looked as if I had taken a light blow to the lip. I immediately thought I must have been bit by a misquito or other insect while doing the water work. I do not recall any stings, bites or pain. It did itch a little. This all took place over about the last 1/2 hour. We exited the pool at 1p.m. I arrived home at 2p.m. and noticed my upper lip had significantly swelled in the right side area. Within half an hour (2:30 p.m.) the entire left side of the upper lip was hugely swollen, numbness in the right side of the face and numbness at the gums and teeth. The swelling spread across my entire upper lip within an hour's time. I went to the clinic and saw the doctor. She thought it was some sort of bug bite allergic reaction and prescribed Benedryl. Now some nearly 9 hours later the swelling is subsiding and the feeling is coming back in my face. Could this just be a bug bite/sting? Or, could it be more serious, such as an allergice reaction to the rubber mouthpiece on the regulator? I afraid I may not be able to pursue diving and that would be a great disappointment. Thanks all!!

PeteM
08-06-2006, 09:08
Or, could it be more serious, such as an allergice reaction to the rubber mouthpiece on the regulator? I afraid I may not be able to pursue diving and that would be a great disappointment. Thanks all!!

Can not really comment on what has happened as I am not a doctor, but...

Mouth pieces are made of either rubber or silicon, I've known people allergic to rubber but never to silicon so if that is the problem a switch to the other type should sort you out.

Tristram
08-06-2006, 10:40
I can tell you right now that if this was anaphylaxis you would be dead right now.

I have cold urticaria that causes anaphylaxis and even in a mild form anaphylaxis will kill you in under an hour without attention.

a reaction to rubber is unlikly but possable, are there any puncture marks near your lips?

I think it is a bite/sting but if there is no puncture mark then an allergic reaction is the next thing.

Best thing to do is to talk to your GP asap and see what he says