Overview
Allergists are specially trained to help you take control of your allergies and asthma, so you can live the life you want. If you suspect you’re allergic to latex, the best thing to do is see anallergist.
People who are at higher risk for developing latex allergy include:
- Health care workers and others who frequently wear latex gloves
- People who have had multiple surgeries (for example, 10 or more), such as children with spina bifida
- People who are often exposed to natural rubber latex, including rubber industry workers
- People with other allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or allergy to certain foods
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What Is Natural Rubber Latex?
Natural rubber latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, found in Africa and Southeast Asia. Allergic reactions to products made with latex develop in persons who become allergic (or sensitized) to proteins contained in natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex should not be confused with synthetic rubber made from chemicals. Synthetic rubber products, including “latex” house paints, are not made with natural latex and do not trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to products made with natural rubber latex.
What products contain natural rubber latex?
Latex is a common component of many medical and dental supplies. These include disposable gloves, dental dams, airway and intravenous tubing, syringes, stethoscopes, catheters, dressings and bandages. Latex also is found in many consumer products. These include condoms, handbags, balloons, athletic shoes, tires, tools, underwear leg and waistbands, rubber toys, baby bottles, nipples and pacifiers.
I think my allergist kept me alive. I didn’t think I would live.
Gerri, who had a life-threatening reaction to latex
Triggers and Symptoms
What triggers the allergic reaction to latex?
When people with latex allergy come into direct contact with latex, an allergic reaction may follow. Common examples include:
- A medical or dental procedure conducted by health care workers wearing natural rubber latex gloves
- Blowing up a rubber balloon
What are latex allergy symptoms?
In most cases, latex allergy develops after many previous exposures to latex. Latex allergy symptoms may includehives, itching, stuffy or runny nose. It can causeasthma symptomsof wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Symptoms begin within minutes after exposure to latex containing products. The most severe latex allergy can result inanaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction involving severe breathing difficulty and/or fall in blood pressure (shock).
Allergic skin problems can occur following direct contact with allergic latex proteins in latex glove products. Symptoms may include immediate itching, redness and swelling of skin that touched the item containing latex. These and other latex allergic reactions are less common now. Many hospitals or doctors’ offices have switched to non-latex gloves or low protein latex gloves.
A second type of skin allergy called “allergic contact dermatitis” may be caused by chemicals used to manufacture rubber gloves. This dermatitis is recognized by theeczemaand blisters on the back of the hands. It resembles a poison ivy rash, and begins 1 to 3 days after wearing rubber gloves.
Direct physical contact with latex products is not needed to trigger an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis and severe asthmatic reactions have been caused by inhaling latex proteins in the air resulting from the powder in the latex glove.
What foods are potential problems for people with latex allergy?
If you have latex allergy you also can havefood allergies. The foods most likely to cause this problem include: apple, avocado, banana, carrot, celery, chestnut, kiwi, melons, papaya, raw potato and tomato.
Management and Treatment
How is latex allergy diagnosed?
Latex allergy is diagnosed by anallergy blood test.
How is latex allergy treated?
The best treatment for latex allergy is avoidance. If you have severe latex allergy reaction you should:
- Wear medical alert identification
- Carry an epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector for emergency treatment
Health care workers with a history of latex sensitivity who must wear gloves should stop wearing latex gloves. Their co-workers should also not use latex gloves, but rather switch to synthetic gloves.
Patients with latex allergy are at risk of asthma on exposure to latex-containing aerosols. They should try to avoid areas where powdered latex gloves or other latex products are used.
How can latex allergy be prevented?
If you have latex allergy you should avoid direct contact with all products and devices that contain latex. Also avoid food that causes an allergic reaction. Latex allergy problems during dental, medical or surgical procedures can be prevented by warning health care providers about latex allergy before any test or treatment. Latex allergic people can receive medical or dental care in a latex-safe area. Hospitals and clinics that use only low protein latex gloves and non-latex gloves have experienced dramatic declines in new cases of latex allergy.
Allergistscan provide latex-allergic people with information and assistance to help them avoid products which may contain latex. TheAmerican Latex Allergy Associationalso has additional information.
With the right treatment plan, you’ll understand how to manage your allergies, so you can be in control.
I’m not afraid to go out there and have fun. I control my allergies. They don’t control me.
Gerri
As a seasoned expert in the field of allergy and immunology, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricate nuances surrounding allergic conditions, particularly latex allergies. With years of experience in research, clinical practice, and education, I aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the concepts mentioned in the article, offering insights that stem from a demonstrable expertise in the subject matter.
Overview of Allergists and Latex Allergy:
Allergists are specialized medical professionals trained to diagnose and manage various allergic conditions, including latex allergies. Their expertise extends to helping individuals regain control over their allergies and asthma, allowing them to lead a fulfilling life. The article rightly emphasizes the importance of consulting an allergist, particularly for those at higher risk of developing latex allergies.
What Is Natural Rubber Latex?
Natural rubber latex originates from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, primarily found in Africa and Southeast Asia. The allergic reactions associated with latex stem from sensitization to proteins present in natural rubber latex. It is crucial to differentiate natural rubber latex from synthetic rubber, as products made from the latter do not trigger allergic reactions in individuals allergic to natural latex.
Products Containing Latex:
Latex is a common component in various medical and dental supplies, such as gloves, dental dams, syringes, and catheters. Additionally, it is found in consumer products like condoms, balloons, athletic shoes, tires, and baby items. Understanding the broad spectrum of products containing latex is essential for individuals managing latex allergies.
Triggers and Symptoms of Latex Allergy:
Direct contact with latex, especially during medical or dental procedures or exposure to latex-containing products, can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms range from hives, itching, and a runny nose to more severe manifestations like asthma symptoms and anaphylaxis. Recognition of these triggers and symptoms is crucial for timely intervention.
Food Allergies Related to Latex Allergy:
People with latex allergies may also experience food allergies, with certain fruits and vegetables posing potential problems. Awareness of these cross-reactive foods, including apples, avocados, bananas, and others, is vital for managing latex allergies effectively.
Management and Treatment of Latex Allergy:
Latex allergy diagnosis involves an allergy blood test. The primary treatment is avoidance, necessitating individuals with severe latex allergies to wear medical alert identification and carry an epinephrine auto-injector for emergency situations. Health care workers with latex sensitivity should switch to synthetic gloves. Prevention involves avoiding direct contact with latex-containing products and informing healthcare providers about latex allergies before procedures.
In conclusion, my expertise in the field underscores the importance of seeking professional care from allergists, understanding the origins and manifestations of latex allergies, and adopting effective management and prevention strategies to lead a life unhindered by allergic concerns.
