Description

Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in natural rubber latex, a product made from the rubber tree. If you have a latex allergy, your body mistakes latex for a harmful substance.

Latex allergy may cause itchy skin and hives or even anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a possible life-threatening condition that can cause throat swelling and severe difficulty breathing. A healthcare professional can determine if you have a latex allergy or if you're at risk of developing a latex allergy.

Understanding latex allergy and to know the common sources of latex can help prevent allergic reactions.

Symptoms

If you are allergic to latex, it is likely that you have symptoms after touching the rubber latex products, such as gloves or balloons. You may also have symptoms if you are inhaling latex particles that are released into the air when someone removed the latex gloves.

Latex allergy symptoms range from mild to severe. A reaction depends on how sensitive are latex and the amount of latex that touch or inhale. The reaction may be worse with every latex exposure.

Mild symptoms

Mild latex allergy, the symptoms include:

  • The itching.
  • Redness of the skin.
  • Hives or skin rash.

More serious symptoms

These include:

  • Sneezing.
  • Runny nose.
  • Itchy, watery eyes.
  • Itching in the throat.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Wheezing.
  • For cough.

Life-threatening symptoms: Anaphylaxis

The most severe allergic reaction to latex is anaphylaxis, which can be deadly. An anaphylactic (an-uh-fuh-LAK-tik), the reaction develops immediately after exposure to latex in highly sensitive people. However, this rarely happens the first time someone is exposed.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Hives or swelling.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Wheezing.
  • Drop in blood pressure.
  • The dizziness.
  • The loss of consciousness.
  • Confusion.
  • Rapid or weak pulse.

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency medical attention if you have or think you are having an anaphylactic reaction.

If you have less severe reactions after exposure to latex, talk to a health professional. If possible, consult a health care professional when you are reacting. This is going to help with the diagnosis.

Causes

In a latex allergy, the immune system identifies latex as a harmful substance and triggers a series of antibodies to fight it. The next time there is a latex exposure, these antibodies to say that the immune system release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. This process produces a series of symptoms of the allergy. The more times someone is exposed to latex, the stronger your immune system will respond. This is called sensitization.

Latex allergy can happen in the following aspects:

  • The direct contact. The most common cause of latex allergy is in touch with latex products, including latex gloves, condoms and balloons.
  • Inhalation. Latex products, especially gloves, the release of latex particles. You can breathe in these particles when they are in the air. The amount of air latex gloves is very different depending on the brand of the used gloves.

It is possible to have other skin reactions when using the latex. They include:

  • Allergic contact dermatitis. This reaction of the results of the chemical additives used during the manufacturing process. The main symptom is a rash on the skin with the formation of blisters of 24 to 48 hours after exposure, similar to poison ivy.
  • Irritant contact Dermatitis. It is not an allergy, this skin irritation is caused by rubber gloves, or exposure to dust on the inside of them. Symptoms include dryness, itching, irritation of the areas, usually in the hands.

Not all latex products are made from natural sources. Products that contain synthetic materials, such as latex paint, it is unlikely to cause a reaction.

Risk factors

Certain people are at higher risk of developing an allergy to latex:

  • People with spina bifida. The risk of latex allergy is higher in people with spina bifida, a birth defect that affects the development of the vertebral column. People with this disorder are often exposed to latex products through early and frequent health care. People with spina bifida should always avoid latex products.
  • People who undergo multiple surgeries or medical procedures. Repeated exposure to latex gloves and medical products increases the risk of developing latex allergy.
  • The health workers. If you work in health care, you are at greater risk of developing a latex allergy.
  • Rubber industry workers. Repeated exposure to latex may increase the sensitivity.
  • People with a personal or family history of allergies. You are at increased risk of latex allergy if you have other allergies, such as hay fever or food allergy — or are common in your family.

The connection between food allergy and latex allergy

Some fruits contain the same allergens that are found in the latex. They include:

  • Avocado.
  • The banana.
  • The chestnut.
  • The Kiwi.
  • Passion fruit.

If you are allergic to latex, you have a higher chance of also being allergic to these foods.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is sometimes a challenge. A health care professional normally examine your skin and ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history, and if there have been reactions to latex in the past.

A skin test can help you find out if someone from the skin reacts to the latex protein. A medical professional uses a very small needle to place a small amount of latex below the surface of the skin on the forearm or on the back. If someone is allergic to latex, a bump is formed. Only an allergist or other health professional with experience in testing of the skin should perform this test.

Blood tests also may be done to check for latex sensitivity.

Treatment

Although there are medications available to relieve the symptoms of latex allergy, there is no cure. The only way to prevent allergic reactions to latex is to avoid products that contain latex.

Despite his best efforts to avoid the latex, you can get in contact with her. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to latex, you may always need to carry injectable epinephrine with you. If you have an anaphylactic reaction, you will need to go to the emergency room for an immediate injection of adrenaline, also known as epinephrine.

For less severe reactions, a care professional may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids. These can be taken after exposure to latex for the control of the reaction and help relieve the discomfort.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your family health care provider. However, you may be referred to a health professional who specializes in allergies, called an allergist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Take notes on any exposure to the latex, when it occurred, and what kind of reaction he had.
  • Write down key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and supplements.
  • Have a family member or friend along, if possible. The person who will be with you you can remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions during your appointment.

Prepare a list of questions before your appointment will help to make the most of your time. Allergy to latex, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
  • What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What is the best treatment?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • How can I avoid contact with latex?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions as well.

What to expect from your doctor

It is likely to be asked a few questions, including:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How bad are the symptoms?
  • Do you have any allergies, as hay fever or allergies to certain food?
  • There is a history of allergies in the family?
  • Have you been exposed to latex products?
  • If you have had symptoms after using latex gloves, how long does it take for the symptoms to occur?
  • What type of surgery you have had and when?

What you can do in the meantime

If you suspect that you have a latex allergy, try to avoid contact with anything containing latex.

Symptoms and treatment of Latex allergy