An allergic reaction to latex can be serious and rarely deadly. If an individual has latex allergy, he/she must limit or avoid future exposure to products that are made out of latex. Individuals who face the highest risk for developing latex allergy include the following:
- Healthcare workers and those who frequently use latex gloves
- Individuals who are often exposed to natural rubber latex including rubber industry workers
- Individuals who had multiple surgeries particularly children with spina bifida
- Individuals with other allergies such as hay fever or allergy to certain foods
An allergist is skilled in managing allergies, asthma and allergic rhinitis. An individual with allergies should consult an allergist so that a specific plan can be developed.
What you need to know about natural rubber latex
Natural rubber latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree that is found in Southeast Asia and Africa. The allergic reaction to products made out of latex develops among those who become allergic to the proteins present in natural rubber latex.
Natural rubber latex should not be confused with synthetic rubber which is made from chemicals. Products made out of synthetic rubber such as latex-based house paints are not made with natural latex and do not trigger allergic reactions among those who are allergic to products made with natural latex.
Products that contain natural rubber latex
It is important to note that latex is a usual component of various dental and medical supplies which includes dental dams, disposable gloves, airway and intravenous tubing, stethoscopes, syringes, dressings, catheters and bandages.
Latex is also present in various consumer products such as handbags, condoms, athletic shoes, balloons, underwear leg and waistbands, tools, tires, baby bottles, rubber toys, pacifiers and nipples.
What are the symptoms?
In most circumstances, latex allergy develops after previous exposures. The symptoms include hives, stuffy or runny nose and itching. It can also cause asthma-like symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
The symptoms usually start within minutes after being exposed to products that contain latex. In severe reactions, it can lead to anaphylaxis which involves difficulty in breathing or a drop in the blood pressure.
If the skin was directly exposed particularly to latex gloves, the symptoms include immediate itching, swelling and redness of the skin. At the present, these reactions are not as common as before since many healthcare facilities have switched to non-latex gloves.
Treatment and prevention
The ideal treatment for an allergic reaction is avoidance. If an individual experienced severe reactions in the past, he/she must wear an identification bracelet or necklace. An epinephrine auto-injector is prescribed by the doctor that must be readily on hand at all times.
An individual who is diagnosed with latex allergy must avoid direct contact with all products and devices that might contain latex. In addition, those who have latex allergy must inform healthcare providers regarding the allergy before any test or treatment.