Latex is a milky white liquid produced by rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. It is used to make more than 40,000 rubber products such as shoes, tires, gloves, balloons, condoms, diapers, sanitary pads, rubber toys, pacifiers, baby-bottle nipples, waistbands, adhesive tapes & bandages, catheters, medical equipments, and many more. Latex products are ubiquitous nowadays. They are found at homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and other public places. Natural latex is one of the most important human discoveries because of its many uses.
The ability to trigger allergic reactions in humans is one of the drawbacks in using latex products. Latex contains specific proteins that act as allergens – substances that cause allergy symptoms. Allergy occur when our immune system mistakenly recognize latex proteins as threats to the human body. Antibodies are produced by the immune system to fight the “invaders”. In return, the antibodies trigger the release of chemicals (e.g. histamine) that cause the allergy symptoms.
What causes latex allergy? Who are at risk of latex allergy?
The exact cause of latex allergy is not known but experts say that a person’s repeated exposure to latex increases his/her risk of getting latex allergy. People who have repeated exposure to latex are rubber industry workers and health care workers. Health care workers such as dentists, physicians, nurses, medical technologists, laboratory technicians, and veterinarians frequently use latex gloves and equipments to perform their jobs. It is estimated that 5-10% of health care workers have some form of latex allergy. An estimated one percent of the US population is allergic to latex.
Other people who are at risk of developing latex allergy include: children with spina bifida & congenital urologic disorders; individuals who underwent multiple surgical operations; individuals with family history of allergies, and; individuals with certain food allergies. Allergies that run in a family can be explained by genetics. The inheritance of certain genes predisposes an individual to develop allergy to certain substances like latex proteins. Food proteins can have similarities to latex proteins that cause allergy. This is the reason why people who have latex allergy may also have food allergies and vice versa.
What are the signs and symptoms of latex allergy?
Latex allergy symptoms can be delayed or immediate. Delayed allergy symptoms are those that occur 12 to 24 hours after exposure to latex allergens. Immediate allergy symptoms are those that instantly show of after exposure.
Delayed allergic reactions to latex are not life-threatening and appear only at the sites of contact with latex product. The symptoms consist of itchy, red and swollen rashes in the skin.
Immediate allergy reactions are severe and life-threatening. The symptoms include hives, itching at the site of contact or entire the body, wheezing, and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is the most dangerous symptom of latex allergy. The symptoms include breathing difficulty, dangerous drop in blood pressure, decreased lung function, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, weak pulse, and loss of consciousness.
Take note that latex allergy symptoms are similar to the symptoms of peanut, strawberry, hair dye, mold, and sulfite allergies.
What are the treatments for latex allergy?
For mild allergic reactions like itching and rashes, antihistamine is used. Antihistamine blocks the action of histamine – the chemical that causes the itching and rashes. Antihistamines can be purchased over the counter with or without prescription.
For anaphylaxis, injectable adrenaline is used. Since the adrenaline is released directly to the bloodstream, it will take effect immediately. Take note that individuals with anaphylaxis need immediate medical attention to prevent death.
How to manage latex allergy?
Having latex allergy can be very difficult considering that latex products are extremely common today. Nevertheless, avoidance of latex exposure is the best way to prevent allergic reactions.
People who are allergic to latex should tell their health care providers (doctors, dentists, nurses) about their condition so that they will use non-latex gloves and other latex-free medical supplies.
Knowledge of latex products is important to avoid accidental exposure. If possible, make a list of latex products and familiarize yourself with them.
People who have immediate latex allergy symptoms like anaphylaxis should carry with them an emergency epinephrine syringe. Wearing Medic Alert bracelet is also highly advised.
What are the tests for latex allergy?
Having allergic reactions after exposure to latex products is the first indication of latex allergy. However, it is possible that other non-latex proteins in the products are causing the allergic reactions. To test if latex is causing the symptoms, other tests should be performed such as skin test and blood test.
In skin test, a latex extract is applied to a prick or scratch in the skin. Positive result occurs when rash or swelling occur in the skin after few minutes of observation.
In blood test, the level of the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood is measured. IgE is produced during allergic reaction. Increased level of IgE in the blood can indicate latex allergy.
Sources and Further Reading
- Latex Allergy Symptoms. Retrieved from MayoClinic.com
- Latex Allergy. Retrieved from ClevelandClinic.org
- Latex Allergy Symptoms. Retrieved from About.com
- Latex Allergy. Retrieved from MedicineNet.com