Latex is a natural rubber material made from the rubber tree. Allergy to latex is fairly common and causes a reaction to latex gloves, adhesive tapes, medical products, rubber toys, balloons and condoms. Some foods have proteins that are similar in chemical structure to the rubber protein. People with latex allergy may also have allergies to these foods. This phenomenon is known as cross-reactivity.
Foods
Banana, avocado, chestnut and kiwi fruit are the foods that most often trigger an allergic reaction in latex allergic people. Allergies to apple, carrot, celery, papaya, potato, tomato and melons are also associated with latex allergy but occur less often. In general, people with a history of food allergies have a higher risk of latex allergy.
Symptoms
Signs of an allergic reaction include sneezing, coughing, rash, wheezing and itchy eyes. A food allergy may cause gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting. Your symptoms may change with repeated exposures to the substance that triggers your allergy. People with severe allergic reactions to a food or latex may experience anaphylactic shock. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition marked by difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat or face, a drop in blood pressure, rapid or weak pulse and loss of consciousness. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention. People with a history of anaphylactic shock should talk to their doctor about carrying an EpiPen for emergency self-treatment.
Risk Factors
Healthcare professionals and people working in the rubber industry have the highest risk of developing an allergy to latex. A history of hay fever is a risk factor. Approximately 25 percent of healthcare workers with hay fever also develop a latex allergy, according to the American Association of Family Physicians In addition, people with food allergies, spina bifida and people who have had multiple surgeries early in life have higher rates of latex allergy.
Prevention
The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid contact with the food or substance that triggers your symptoms. If you have a latex allergy, inform all of your doctors and wear a medical alert bracelet. If you are a healthcare worker, no one should wear latex gloves around you since small particles may be released into the air. Non-latex substitutes are available. The American Association of Family Physicians does not recommend that you try to avoid all of the foods that could potentially cause a cross-reaction. This may cause nutritional deficiencies since so many different types of foods are involved. If you do discover that you react with a particular food, then take steps to avoid further exposure.
