Latex Allergy

Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a type of rubber manufactured from the sap of the rubber tree and is used in many modern products. It differs from synthetic latex, which rarely causes allergic reactions. Natural rubber latex can literally be found in many thousands of common household items. The negative of all of this increased exposure to latex is that it has resulted in more instances of latex allergies. In the United States, it has been estimated that anywhere from 1% to 6% of the general population has developed an allergy to latex. The significance of latex as an allergen is that is has become an increasingly common trigger for anaphylaxis-producing allergies.

The evidence suggests that the more someone uses latex, the more chance they have of developing an allergy to it. Those people who are exposed to latex every day, like healthcare workers or people involved in the production of products incorporating latex, are those most at risk. People with a history of certain food allergies may also have a greater chance of developing latex allergies. Repeated exposure to latex can sensitise a person to the proteins contained in latex rubber, or to its other synthetic chemicals components.

When someone with latex allergy comes into contact with latex, their immune system misinterprets it as a foreign threat and launches a counterattack. This results in the body exhibiting typical allergy symptoms. Some people can become sensitised to latex without initially showing external allergic symptoms but they risk eventually becoming symptomatic if they are continually exposed to latex. Allergic reactions can be exacerbated when the powder often used to coat latex is present because latex can stick to the powder and become airborne. This means that latex can come into contact with the mucous membranes of the airways, accelerating the absorption of the proteins that cause an allergic reaction.

The symptoms of latex allergy may begin with a rash on the skin at the point of contact. If someone has been wearing latex gloves, then this inflammation would appear on the hands. This sort of rash should not be confused with irritant-contact dermatitis where inflamed skin is the result of wearing non-breathable gloves and frequent hand washing and is not related to the latex in the gloves. This type of dermatitis, however, may make a person more susceptible to developing allergic hypersensitivity over time as the skin gradually fails to protect other sensitive tissues within the body.

Other symptoms can include hayfever-like symptoms and respiratory problems such as tightness in the chest, wheezing, a shortness of breath, coughing and asthma. Eczema, rashes, facial flushing, "hives", or oedema (swelling), especially around the nose, mouth and throat, may also result. In the most extreme cases, anaphylactic shock can result, characterised by severe breathing difficulties and sharp decline in blood pressure.

Latex allergies may also have "cross-reactivity" with some food allergies because certain fruits, vegetables, nuts and cereals contain the same proteins as latex. The presence of a kiwifruit allergy, for example, is believed to put someone at a higher risk of developing latex allergy. Other food allergies that may have "cross-reactivity" are passion fruit, cherries, papaya, banana, avocado, peaches, figs, plums, paw-paw, nectarines, tomatoes, potatoes, celery, hazelnuts, and chestnuts. You do not have to avoid all of the food that can potentially cross-react with latex if you have latex allergy, only those that specifically cause you to have an allergic reaction.

Doctors can diagnose latex allergy after discussing a patient's detailed medical history and performing a blood test. They may seek also further confirmation using a skin test, depending on the danger of exposing the patient to a sample of latex. If you have experienced even mild allergic reactions to latex in the past, you should avoid further contact with it because the severity of the reaction to latex generally correlates with how often the patient is exposed to the allergen.

Tips if you have latex allergy

There are a few precautions that you can take if you have latex allergy:

• Avoid contact with natural latex products. Substitute with latex-free versions.
• Warn doctors, dentist, and other healthcare workers of your allergy before any examinations or procedures
• Inform your employers, co-workers, friends and family of your condition
• If your allergy is severe, avoid eating fruit, including bananas and avocados, that cause you to develop allergic symptoms such as oral itching, swelling, "hives" and shortness of breath.
• Use polyurethane, non-latex or power-free latex items
• Dipped latex products like gloves, balloons and condoms are generally the biggest culprits in triggering latex allergy symptoms. This is why some hospitals will only permit mylar or foil balloons in the hospitals.
• If you are known to be at risk of latex-induced anaphylactic shock, carry adrenaline in the form of an EpiPen intramuscular injection so that this can be quickly administered in an emergency.

Related articles

Hayfever and its connection to Asthma

What is Hayfever

The Hayfever season

Symptoms and treatment of Hayfever

Pollen as an allergen

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