Posted on July 30, 2007 in Latest News
Latex is a product of rubber tree commonly used to make gloves used in all medical procedures by doctors and medical personnel. Sometimes individuals can develop an allergy to latex when it comes in touch with their hand, mouth or bloodstream during an operation. Some people may be allergic to blowing balloons or to the powder inside the latex gloves. However, not all people realize their allergy, because latex is something that is not touched by everybody, until they blow balloon or use a condom.
Symptoms of a latex allergy
A person allergic to latex may break in to a rash, hives or wheezing, immediately on contact with a latex product. Other signs include running nose, itching and inflammation of the affected area. In some patients there can be a severe reaction in the form of anaphylaxis. This includes rapidly falling blood pressure, breathlessness, and tightness of the throat and engorgement of the tongue. In such a case, immediately take the person to hospital.
People susceptible to latex allergy
Latex allergy greatly affects about two percent of medical personnel who constantly use latex gloves. Some people have a hereditary allergy to latex. It affects persons who undergo frequent surgeries, children with a bifid spine, and children with problems of the urinary tract. People allergic to certain foods like bananas, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, peaches, papaya, figs and plums may have latex allergy. This is because these fruit contain the same protein as latex, triggering an allergic reaction.
Mechanism of a latex allergy
Latex from the rubber tree undergoes chemical transformation into rubber products. The person may have allergy to pure latex or processed latex. There are two methods of manufacturing products from latex. In the drip-drying method some natural latex may remain on the surface if not washed properly and cause allergy. If manufacture takes place by molding there is less chance of an allergy.
Undergo a patch test to detect an allergy before using the product. For this expose a small area of the skin to latex or its preservatives and if you are sensitive to latex, a rash will develop. In some individuals the reactions immediate and can lead to anaphylaxis. To avoid this undergo a blood test to detect hypersensitivity.
Avoiding latex allergy
Treatment of latex allergy
Depending on the severity you can overcome the allergy by a simple course of anti-histamines, corticosteroids or an epinephrine injection in case of anaphylaxis.
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