Natural rubber latex, or simply latex, is the sap of a Brazilian rubber tree that is used to manufacture thousands of consumer and medical products. Common examples include balloons, gloves, toys, baby bottle nipples, condoms, intravenous tubing, surgical masks and blood pressure cuffs. Latex allergy is now a well-recognized problem in high-risk children and in health care, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Three in every five children with spina bifida, and one in every four children who undergo multiple surgeries develop latex allergies. Among adults, anywhere from 5 to 15 percent of medical personnel and those who use gloves for work have allergic symptoms to latex. According to the Mayo Clinic, other at-risk groups include patients who undergo multiple procedures; people who use condoms; people who work in rubber manufacturing plants; and people with allergies to banana, melon, kiwi and peach. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of latex allergy since reactions can range from mild to life-threatening.
Immediate, Mild Reactions
If you are allergic to latex, the immediate reaction happens on direct contact of a body part with latex. You may experience swelling, redness, rash and itching, for example, on the hands while using dishwashing gloves, on the lips after blowing up balloons or on the tongue after a dental visit. According to the AAFA, over-the-counter antihistamines such as calamine lotion will usually treat milder reactions to latex. Make an appointment to visit your doctor, preferably while you are having a reaction, so he can diagnose your allergy.
Severe, Prolonged Reactions
According to the Mayo Clinic, more severe allergic reactions to latex include symptoms of asthma and hay fever. You may experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, scratchy throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or cough. If you are highly sensitive to latex, you may have a severe allergic reaction if you breathe in the powdered latex protein found on gloves, condoms and balloons; for example, the AAFA describes a person who had an asthma attack on entering a room where balloons were blown up. Prolonged contact or use of a latex product may result in chronic allergic conditions. The best defense is to avoid any contact with latex products. Seek immediate medical advice if you suspect you are highly sensitive to latex, as these symptoms may get worse over time.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction to latex exposure in highly sensitive individuals. According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, anaphylactic shock begins with a feeling of uneasiness, tingling sensations and dizziness. The reaction rapidly develops and involves several areas of the body. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include difficulty breathing, wheezing, fainting, itching and hives all over the body, slurred speech, nausea, and vomiting. Immediately seek emergency treatment if you suspect an anaphylactic reaction. If you are highly sensitive to latex or belong to any of the high-risk groups, your doctor may advise you to carry antihistamines and a self-injecting syringe of epinephrine.
