Latex is raw rubber, a substance produced chiefly from the rubber tree scientifically called Hevea brasiliensis. A few individuals suffer from allergies following continual contact with latex, particularly latex gloves. Allergy to latex is a growing health issue.
Symptoms of Natural Rubber (Latex) Allergy
Latex reactions may differ from mild to severe, or they may advance from a less intense reaction to a more severe one. Examples are:
- Skin problems like contact dermatitis, hives, or widespread, severe itching.
- Respiratory problems. A patient who is suffering a minor respiratory response may sneeze, cough, or suffer from a runny nose. An individual who is acquiring a serious respiratory reaction may acquire breathlessness due to swelling of the pharynx (throat) (angioedema) or intense wheezing (allergic asthma).
- Dangerous and life threatening allergy responses, like anaphylaxis.
People Who get Latex Allergy
Latex allergy normally attacks individuals who are habitually introduced to rubber materials, like healthcare workers and rubber manufacture workers, and individuals who have had several operations or several medical procedures where latex gear and materials were employed.
Patients who get allergic reactions to foods, like kiwifruit, chestnuts, bananas, avocados, and tomatoes, have a greater chance of acquiring latex allergic reactions. Individuals with latex allergy can get allergic reactions to these foods since the protein in these items is basically similar to the protein contained in rubber.
Latex allergies are also greatly common in individuals who have a clinical history of atopic dermatitis, a skin disorder that brings on severe itching and a cherry-red, bumpy skin rash.
Medical items that could have natural rubber or latex are:
- Gloves, particularly powdered latex gloves.
- Tourniquets, bandages, and urinary catheters.
- Adhesive material for bandaging and tapes.
Body or home items that may have latex are:
- Contraceptives, like condoms.
- Rubber toys.
- Elastic bands.
- Laptop and computer mouse pads.
Diagnosis of Latex (Natural) Rubber Allergy
Natural rubber or latex allergy is diagnosed after a complete physical history, physical examination, and scans. Screenings can include a blood screening to find latex antibodies, and glove-use screenings and skin exams to observe a harmful response to latex contact.
Glove-use screenings and skin tests must always be completed by medical staff who are knowledgeable and prepared to react to an intense reaction.
Treatment of Latex Allergy Reaction
A few prescription drugs can help decrease the allergy signs and symptoms, but overall latex avoidance, though hard, is the most productive therapy. Intense problems may need to be addressed in a hospital emergency section.
If a person has had a past severe reaction to natural rubber or latex, he should have an allergic reaction kit, and know how to apply it. It is also important to make sure it has a syringe for epinephrine. Prevent skin contact with latex items, and if you work in health care in a setting requiring the use of gloves, you can use hypoallergenic non-latex gloves.
Avoid breathing in air wherever powdered latex materials (gloves) are being given. The latex materials in the gloves adhere the cornstarch needed to powder the gloves. As the cornstarch goes through the surrounding environment, it can be breathed in, triggering a lung reaction.
More from this Author:
References:
Gordon L. Sussman and Donald H. Beezhold. (1995). "Allergy to Latex Rubber." Annals of Internal Medicine. (122); 1: 43-46.
Siew, Chakwan, Gruninger, Stephen E., Hamann, Curtis P. et al. (1998). "Natural rubber latex hypersensitivity: incidence and prevalence of type 1 allergy in the dental professional." Journal of the American Dental Association. (129); 1: 43-54.
 |
