Latex allergy can cause anaphylaxis

Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in natural rubber latex.  This natural latex is a milky fluid found in rubber trees. When our immune system recognizes natural latex as a harmful substance then it causes an allergic reaction.

Common Latex containing products

Common product include but not limited to

• Dishwashing gloves
• Balloons
• Rubber toys
• Bottle nipples and pacifiers
• Rubber household gloves
• Intravenous tubing
• Condoms
• Syringes
• Surgical gloves & masks
• Diaphragms
• Blood pressure cuffs
• Stethoscopes
• Swim goggles
• Syringes

Symptoms of Latex allergy

Latex can cause mild to moderate symptoms as well as anaphylaxis.  Latex paints do not contain any natural rubber latex protein.

• Itching
• Swollen lips
• Sneezing or Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Hives

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Cough
• Respiratory difficulty
• Wheezing and chest tightness

Anaphylaxis

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives or swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Wheezing
• Drop in blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Rapid or weak pulse

Latex allergy can occur in these ways:

• Direct contact.The most common cause.
• Here the latex particle when airborne, come in contact with the human body.

Prevention of Latex allergy

• Avoid latex products.
• Wear non latex gloves and mask
• When you use a product check the labels to know whether it is latex free.
• Consult with an allergist and make your action plan ready.

Treatment

There is no cure for latex allergy.

People with severe reactions must avoid latex.

For mild to moderate allergic reaction – over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines.

For anaphylaxis-  Injector adrenaline/ epinephrine. If you already had anaphylaxis, you have to carry adrenaline autoinjector all the time.

Latex-Food Syndrome or Latex-Fruit Allergy.

Latex-Food Syndrome or Latex-Fruit Allergy is an allergic reaction where certain nuts and fruits cause an allergic reaction in a patient of latex allergy. This occurs due to the similarity in the protein found in this fruits and natural rubber latex.  Nuts and fruits that can cause this reaction include:

• Banana
• Apple
• Carrot
• Papaya
• Chestnut
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Melons