Latex Allergies

Unless you work in the healthcare field or in an environment in which you would need to use or be exposed to latex on a regular basis, you may not know that you have a potentially life-threatening allergy to latex.

Latex is the material that is extracted from tropical rubber trees and is used to make products such as rubber bands, balloons, rubber gloves, adhesive tape and bandages, pacifiers, baby bottle nipples, condoms, diapers and sanitary pads, just to name a few. In addition to these common household items, other products which may contain latex include medical gloves, urinary catheters, products used to fill root canals, and certain items commonly used for purposes of resuscitation. While substitutes are available which do not contain latex for all of these medical supplies, non-latex substitutes may not be used if you do not know to inform medical staff.

Latex allergy can be potentially life threatening; however, many people who are allergic to latex may not even know it. Some latex containing products present more of a risk than others, due to the fact that they contain higher amounts of latex. This is why you may not notice any or much of a reaction when exposed to or handling certain items and have a severe reaction when handling others. Products such as condoms, balloons and rubber gloves generally tend to contain more latex than any other products.

Symptoms associated with latex allergy include itchy, red and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, rash, hives and in very serious reactions, tightness of chest, shortness of breathing and shock.

Individuals who work in the health care and rubber industries are most at risk for developing a latex allergy; however, you do not need to work in these industries to develop the allergy. Persons who have had numerous surgical operations also tend to have a high risk factor; however, the truth is that anyone can develop an allergy.

If you think that you have a latex allergy, it is extremely important that you speak with your doctor so that a diagnosis can be made. Individuals who are allergic to latex should obviously avoid it whenever possible. It is also highly recommended that you carry a med alert bracelet or similar device so that emergency medical professionals can be alerted to your allergy. Due to the fact that so many medical products normally contain latex, all health care workers should be notified prior to treating you. Exposure to latex, especially in medical treatment situations, can be quite serious and even fatal. When alerted in advance, health care professionals can use non-latex equipment and products.

 
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