Understanding Latex Allergies

What is latex?

Latex is rubber. Natural rubber latex is made from a liquid taken from the rubber tree. Common products that often contain latex include:

• Surgical gloves

• Balloons

• Condoms

• Urinary catheters

• Resuscitation equipment

• Diaphragms

• Rubber bands

• Rubber balls

• Baby bottle nipples

• Dental products (wedges, orthodontic rubber bands)

• Foam mattresses and pillows

How latex allergy develops

Latex protein is the allergen that causes latex allergy. The more a person is exposed to latex protein, the more likely they will develop latex allergy. Increasing exposure to latex increases a person's risk of developing a latex allergy

If the latex gloves are also powdered, the powder can carry particles of latex into the lungs. This can cause respiratory symptoms.

People at higher risk of latex allergy include

• People who work in occupations that commonly use latex gloves, such as healthcare workers, food handlers, and hairdressers

• People who have had many operations since they may come into contact with latex during surgery

• People who have eczema or a food allergy

Know the symptoms of latex allergy

A latex allergy is a lifelong condition. If you have this allergy and it is severe, you must avoid latex.

• If latex touches your skin, you may have a local reaction. For instance, you may have a rash, hives, or blisters on your skin.

• If latex gets into your lungs or bloodstream, you may have a systemic reaction. This means you may have symptoms that affect your whole body. For instance, you may have itchy, red, watery eyes and sneezing. You may also have coughing, trouble breathing, and chest tightness.

• In either case, symptoms can occur right away, or they can occur many hours later. Also, symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Know the signs of anaphylaxis

In rare cases, latex allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a medical emergency. It must be treated right away because it can be fatal. Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• Severe hives and itchy skin

• Swelling of the throat and/or tongue

• Wheezing, trouble breathing

• Chest tightness

• Facial flushing

• Rapid, pounding heartbeat

• Feeling faint; loss of consciousness

If you have serious allergies, including a serious latex allergy, be sure to wear medical alert identification. In addition, your healthcare provider may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. Use it if you have one. Also call 911 or go to the emergency room (ER).