Latex Allergy Symptoms

Latex is the milky sap of the rubber plant Hevea brasiliensis, which is used for commercial production of rubber. Natural rubber latex can be found in a wide range of household and health care items, such as rubber gloves, rubber bands, pacifiers, shoe soles, balloons, rubber toys, disposable diapers, sanitary pads, erasers, condoms and water bottles, to name a few. Some individuals can be allergic to certain proteins found in the natural rubber latex, as their immune system recognizes latex as a foreign invading substance. The result is the production of immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies by the immune system, in an attempt to destroy the allergen, i.e. latex. The IgE antibodies in turn stimulate the release of histamines and other chemicals into the bloodstream, whenever there is an exposure to latex. These chemicals, while trying to destroy the allergen, produce allergic reaction in the body that can manifest in several mild to moderate symptoms.

Types of Latex Allergy

There are mainly two types of latex allergies, type I allergy and type IV allergy. Type I allergy is an immediate and sometimes, potentially life-threatening reaction to the proteins found in natural rubber latex. This type of latex allergy is more likely to lead to the serious condition, known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is characterized by a significant drop in the blood pressure, leading to loss of consciousness. The second type of latex allergy is known as type IV allergy, which is also known as contact dermatitis. This can be termed as a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, which typically manifests in skin rash and hives, quite similar to the poison ivy rash.

Latex Allergy Signs

Sensitivity to latex can be caused either by direct contact or by the inhalation of airborne latex particles. Its symptoms can be mild to severe, depending on the type of allergy that one develops to this substance. Repeated exposure to latex can worsen the symptoms of allergy. Generally, latex allergy can produce the following symptoms:

• Itching
• Skin rash and hives (urticaria)
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Cough

If the allergic reaction worsens and leads to the condition anaphylaxis, then the following symptoms can be observed:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid or weak pulse

Treatment for Latex Allergy

It is usually diagnosed with the help of patch test, skin test, blood test and RAST or Radio-Allergo-Sorbent-Test. Like other types of allergies, the best way to prevent this allergy is avoid the particular allergen, i.e. latex. The main difficulty in avoiding exposure to latex is the fact that, it is found in numerous household items. As far as treatment for the allergic reaction caused by latex is concerned, it can be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids and epinephrine injections. Epinephrine injections are generally used in the case of immediate hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis. On the other hand, the delayed reaction or contact dermatitis can be managed with the help of topical and oral corticosteroid medications. Find out more about allergy relief.

People who have been exposed to latex for a long time are more likely to develop allergy to it. This is the reason why, health care providers or workers, and industrial rubber workers are the ones who get it more frequently. Even individuals who had undergone multiple surgeries during childhood, people with a family history of allergies, as well as children with Spina bifida can have a greater risk for developing this allergy. People suffering from this problem should be very cautious while using any rubber product. They should always read the label of the particular rubber product to ascertain whether it contains latex. Moreover, these people can have greater chance to be allergic to certain fruits like, banana, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi fruit, passionfruit, avocados and chestnuts, as some of these fruits can contain the same type of allergen found in latex. At the same time, they need to inform their physician about their allergy, to make sure that their health care providers do not use any material containing latex while treating them.

One simple way to inform others about the fact that you have latex allergy, is to wear a medical alert bracelet. In an emergency case, an individual may not be in a position to communicate about his or her allergy to latex. In such a situation, such a bracelet can help a lot in avoiding further exposure to latex, as this would inform the medical health care provider not to use any material containing latex.