Linthwaite woman Sarah Tuffs tells of balloon allergy hell

Feb 25 2010 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Linthwaite woman tells of balloon allergy hell

A GRANDMOTHER has spoken of her life being ‘ruined’ by a severe latex allergy which means she can’t go near balloons.

Linthwaite woman Sarah Tuffs has to be wary while doing everyday things, such as going shopping or getting a bus, in case she comes close to a balloon.

The 54-year-old from Heights Drive said: “It’s terrible, it’s ruined my life.”

Mrs Tuffs first learnt of her allergy two years ago when she blew up a balloon for a leaving party at the care home where she works in Slaithwaite.

She said: “My mouth swelled up so I knew I couldn’t touch latex anymore. But a few months later, they put some balloons up for Christmas and I had a reaction again, even though I hadn’t touched the balloons. My throat tightened up and I had breathing problems.”

Mrs Tuffs, who has three children and four grandchildren, had blood tests at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary which showed she had a severe airborne allergy to latex.

If she goes near latex her body could go into anaphylactic shock – a potentially life-threatening reaction which includes a tightening of the throat.

Mrs Tuffs has to take antihistamines to lessen the impact of the allergy and also carries an EpiPen, which contains an emergency dose.

Mrs Tuffs’ employer has been sympathetic – but she doubts future bosses would be so understanding.