Latex
Allergy
Latex
Allergy
What is latex?Latex is a raw material derived from a rubber tree which is converted to a finished product through a manufacturing process. During this process, chemicals are added to the latex.What is a latex allergy?
People who have a latex allergy are sensitive to the proteins in the rubber latex or the chemicals used in the manufacturing process.Where is latex found?
Latex is a common component in medical equipment such as gloves, catheters, blood pressure cuffs, elastic bandages, etc. It is found in more than 40,000 medical and consumer products.Who is likely to have a latex allergy?
Although latex allergies occur in only one person in one hundred, studies show some people are more prone to developing an allergy.Those people are:
- persons with a history of asthma
- persons with a history of multiple surgeries. (Especially children with spina bifida.)
- persons requiring continuous or intermittent urinary catheterization.
- persons with a history of reactions to latex (balloons, gloves)
- persons who work in healthcare
- persons with a history of multiple allergies (especially to fruits such as bananas, kiwi, avocadoes, tropical fruit, or potatoes, tomatoes or chestnuts).
How would I react if I had a latex allergy?
Reactions to latex products vary greatly. Some people experience urticaria (hives), swelling, watery eyes, skin rash or rhinitis (nasal inflammation), while others experience a more severe response, such as respiratory distress.What should I do if I think I'm latex allergic?
Let your health care provider know. This includes: medical, dental, and nursing personnel, as well as others who provide services to you such as hairdressers and beauticians.A Medi Alert Bracelet should be worn by people who have an allergy to latex.
What happens when I need to be hospitalized?
Hospitals now have Latex Allergy policies. Inform the hospital staff as soon as you arrive so that special measures can be taken to ensure your safety.
