Short Definition
Latex is a rubber product produced from rubber tree sap. Proteins found in natural rubber latex cause allergy reactions in certain persons.
Overview
Latex is a creamy liquid produced by tropical rubber trees. Latex is included in hundreds of common items. A latex allergy can develop after repeated contact to a protein found in natural latex. A response might begin in minutes if your immune system identifies the protein. It's possible that you'll develop a rash or develop asthma. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic response that occurs in a small percentage of people. A physical exam as well as skin and blood tests may be used by your doctor to diagnose it. Although there are medications to manage a response, it is preferable to avoid latex as much as possible.
Latex items that are often used include:
- Gloves
- Balloons
- Things are held together using rubber bands.
- Soles of shoes
- Pacifiers
Latex-free versions of these items are available.
What is Natural Rubber Latex, and how does it work?
NRL (Natural Rubber Latex) is a milky material harvested from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree (a tropical rubber tree). It may be heated and moulded into hard rubber products such as tyres, or dipped to create softer items like as balloons or medical inspection gloves.
What is a Latex Allergy, and How Does it Affect You?
An allergy to proteins found in natural rubber latex is known as latex allergy. Latex allergies may affect anybody, but they are considered to be caused by chemicals produced during rubber manufacturing. Although the exact amount of latex exposure required to cause sensitization or an allergic reaction is unknown, softer rubber-dipped products that have been processed longer (such as Gloves & Balloons) or thought to be more Allergenic, & frequent exposure to latex products increases the risk of developing a sensitivity.
Because of a "cumulative" impact over time, those who have Spina Bifida and catharize; or who undergo numerous operations from a young age, such as bladder surgery or shunt revisions, are at a very high risk for allergies. Latex sensitivity symptoms might be mild at first, but without warning, they can become life-threatening. Because the symptoms of latex sensitization can be vague and non-specific, many people are unaware that they are allergic to it. Those individuals are at risk of a severe response.
Points to Remember
- Proteins found in natural rubber latex can induce allergic responses. This protein is not used in the manufacture of synthetic latex products, such as nitrile and vinyl.
- The US Administration FDA has prohibited powdered latex gloves due to the role powder plays in causing allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to latex.
- Latex gloves can be damaged by oil-based hand moisturisers, which increases the risk of allergic responses.
Who is Susceptible to Latex Allergies?
Because they wear latex gloves regularly, health-care professionals are at risk of acquiring a latex allergy. Housekeepers, hairdressers, and employees in businesses that make latex products are among those who are at risk.
Is Latex Exposure Limited to Direct Skin Contact?
No, latex proteins bind to certain gloves' lubricating powder. Protein/powder particles become airborne and can be inhaled when employees switch gloves.
What Are the Symptoms of a Latex Allergy?
Latex allergy symptoms include:
- Eyes that be itchy or watery
- With breathing, there is a whistling or wheezing sound.
- Itchy, raised bumps on the skin are referred to as hives.
Severe responses (anaphylactic shock) can occur in some circumstances, resulting in:
- Breathing problems
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
Given the widespread use of rubber latex in so many common goods, determining whether your suffering is due to a latex allergy or anything else can be difficult. Now that you know which goods contain latex, if you ever come into contact with them and experience an allergic reaction, you most likely have a latex allergy. Even so, seeing an allergist for a diagnosis is the best method to confirm such an allergy.
A blood test to screen for the existence of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to latex may be performed by your allergist. To determine the amount of antibodies in your blood, the allergist will prick your skin once. Remember that your immune system perceives the allergen as a danger in any allergy. The immune system responds by producing antibodies known as IgE. Your allergy symptoms are caused by IgE.
Food Allergies in Latex Allergy Patients
Fifty percent of individuals with an IgE-mediated latex allergy also experience allergic responses to specific fruits and nuts, including banana, avocado, kiwi, and sweet chestnut. This is based on the concept of cross-reactivity.
Latex allergy has been reported in various fruit kinds (melon, pineapple, peach, passion fruit, papaya, fig), nuts (walnut), vegetables (tomato, potato), and buckwheat. These food allergies' clinical symptoms may be restricted to stimulation and swellings in the lips and oral cavity. However, severe urticaria, bronchospasm, gastrointestinal problems, and anaphylactic shock can all happen.
Diagnosis
A variety of tests are used to identify latex allergy, including:
- Medical background.
- Inspection of the body.
- Skin prick tests and blood tests are both used in allergy testing.
Treatment
Latex allergy has no known treatment. Because repeated latex exposure might exacerbate the immune system's reaction, avoiding the substance is the best approach to treat the disease.
Consider the Following Suggestions:
- Select goods made of synthetic rubber.
- If your job requires you to be exposed to latex on a regular basis, you may need to change careers.
- Before undertaking any treatment, inform your health care providers (such as doctors and dentists) that you are allergic to latex so that they can ensure that non-latex equipment is available.
- Keep an eye out for circumstances when you could be exposed to latex, such as when your hairdresser or a take-out food handler is wearing latex gloves.
- Avoid foods that cause symptoms (such as bananas or avocados).
- In the event of an emergency, wear a specifically designed medical alert bracelet or pendant to convey information about your allergy.
- Always carry an adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjector if one is prescribed in case of anaphylaxis.
- Ascertain that your family, friends, and coworkers are familiar with the adrenaline autoinjector (in case you need help).
0 Comments