About this topic
Latex is also called natural rubber latex. It is a milky fluid that comes from rubber trees. Latex is in things you may have around your house. These are things like balloons, rubber bands, toys, waistbands, and erasers. It may also be in some gloves and condoms. Sometimes there is latex in bottle nipples and pacifiers. The latex may have a powder on it. This keeps the latex from sticking to itself. This powder may allow small pieces of latex to get in the air and stay there for a long time. Many medical and dental supplies also contain latex. ‚
What are the causes?
People with a latex allergy react to the protein in the rubber. Your body thinks the protein or allergen is something that may harm you. It treats the protein as a threat and attacks it. This causes your body to release chemicals into your blood. The chemicals cause the signs of the allergic response and can cause problems with many parts of your body. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Anyone can have a latex allergy. You are at a higher risk for a latex allergy if you: ‚
- Are a healthcare worker
- Have had many operations, mainly when you were a young child
- Have spina bifida
- Have a food allergy
What are the main signs?
Some people have mild signs like: ‚
- Skin reaction:
- Itchy skin
- Skin rashes and redness
- Hives
- Itchy, red, and watery eyes
- Swelling of your eyes, nose, lips, or mouth
- Lung reactions:
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Asthma signs:
- Problems breathing
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Other people have more serious signs like:
- Feeling dizzy or confused
- Very bad problems breathing
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Fast or weak pulse
- Pass out
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will talk to you about your history. Your doctor will ask about: ‚
- Any history of allergies in you or your family
- Your signs and when they started
- If you have other illnesses like asthma, flu, or colds
Your doctor will do an exam and may look for: ‚
- Skin rashes or redness
- Swelling of your eyes, nose, or face
- Breathing problems
Your doctor may do special tests to learn more about your allergies. ‚
- Skin test ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor will scratch or put a small amount of latex protein into your skin. If you are allergic, you will notice redness or other skin reaction.
- Blood tests ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor will take a blood test to check how your body responds to latex allergens.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Care will depend on your type of signs.
- Most often, the best treatment is to stay away from latex as much as you can. This may mean that you and others around you may have to wear gloves that are not made of latex. You may also have to stay away from things that have latex in them.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to help manage your allergy.
- You may need drugs for emergency cases or when you come into contact with latex.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Be very careful when you are in a hospital.
- Take extra effort to stay away from latex. Learn what things in your house may have latex in them. See if there is a latex-free product you can use.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower swelling and itching
- Manage allergic responses
- Help you to feel better
Your doctor may give you an emergency shot to use if you have a very bad response to latex. You need to always carry the shot with you. Even if you use your shot, you should get medical help right away. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
- Wear a medical alert ID that tells of your latex allergy. Make sure that you carry your emergency drugs all the time. This can help you in emergency cases.
- Talk with all of your doctors and dentists about your latex allergy. Let the staff know of your allergy before you have surgery.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There are no sure ways to prevent latex allergy. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/Library/At-a-Glance/Latex-Allergy.aspx ‚
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/latex-allergy.printerview.all.html ‚
American Latex Allergy Association ‚
http://www.latexallergyresources.org/latex-free-products ‚
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ‚
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=21&cont=383 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚