Understanding the Common Symptoms of a Latex Allergy

Latex allergies are something that was once a big problem with health care professionals. Now that they have other types of gloves the problem isn't as problematic. There are still groups of people who have allergic reactions to latex and for these people avoiding latex products is important. It is the rubbery substance that gloves are made out of that causes the allergy sufferers an outbreak, not latex based paints. Allergic reactions can have a delayed or an immediate reaction.

Immediate reactions have the potential to be fatal. Direct contact with latex can trigger allergic reactions. Within a short time, usually only minutes, of exposure the allergy sufferer begins to break out in hives. Shortly thereafter tightness in the throat starts, wheezing and breathing difficulties can quickly move to anaphylaxis and then death. For most people with serious reactions, it requires actual physical contact with latex, for some people their allergies are so serious and they are so sensitive that just taking a pill that was in a bottle having a latex stopper in it can cause a serious, immediate allergic reaction.

A delayed latex allergy can cause itchy reddened and mildly swollen skin in the area that the latex contacted about 12 to 24 hours after the contact. This is an annoying reaction but is generally harmless. This type of reaction is from the chemicals used in the process of making latex.

An allergy specialist can do a patch test by putting components of latex on the skin and reading the results in 48 to 96 hours to diagnose a delayed reaction. Immediate reactions are difficult to test for with skin tests due to a lack of latex extract instead RAST is used. Allergy tests should only be done by a licensed doctor who is experienced in allergy diagnosis.

There a few food allergies that often cause symptoms that are similar to those found in people who have latex allergies. These include avocado, banana, chestnuts, kiwi, and melons.

The best way to treat this type of allergy is to prevent exposure to latex. If you have already been exposed to latex the treating the symptoms to find relief is your next course of action. Latex balloons, condoms, and gloves used in cleaning as well as those used in medical practices should be avoided. This is only the beginning; there are latex pacifiers, latex nipples for baby bottles, erasers toys, rubber bands and more. Reading the labels on products before handling them if you are sensitive is of utmost importance.

If you are going to have surgery the hospital and the physician need to know of your allergy and they need to clean the rooms thoroughly and make sure to use only non-latex gloves and instruments that have not been in contact with latex products.

Allergy attacks should be treated by a physician immediately if there are any breathing difficulties. There are shots that can be given to help prevent allergic reactions. An epinephrine shot may be needed if the allergy attack is severe. Most people with severe latex allergies carry an EpiPen to treat immediate reactions.