Allergy from Latex Objects
Authored by Dr.Zareen Mohamed
Introduction
Latex is a milky substance that oozes out of rubber trees which is later converted into elastic rubber with the aid of various chemical reactions. Latex causes allergy in some people, which is a reaction by specific proteins in the latex through close contact with latex containing objects or products. Commonly handled products containing latex may include, balloons, rubber bands, eraser, rubber toys, condoms, handbags, shoes, tire, dental dams, hospital equipment’s including intravenous tubing, syringes, catheters, dressing a materials and lot more. Anyone can be allergic to natural latex, but it is more common in healthcare staff and those who are frequently exposed to medical equipment made of natural latex, while doing a surgery. Most of those who have latex allergy also have other allergies like food allergy, specifically. Several vegetables and fruits may also trigger some allergic symptoms in a person with latex allergy. The severity of allergic symptoms ranges from mild to severe enough to be life threatening, like anaphylaxis (a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death). Some types of latex allergy are: 1. Irritant contact dermatitis– It causes non-allergenic skin reactions, typically mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. 2. Allergic contact dermatitis– It is an allergy to additives used during rubber production, causing various skin reactions, typically more severe and long lasting. 3. Latex hypersensitivity– It is an immediate allergic reaction to latex, causing more severe symptoms, including hives, itching, hay fever, rhinitis, chest pain, obstructed breathing, or may be anaphylaxis (a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death).
Causes An allergic reaction to latex occurs when the body finds latex (a foreign substance) and produces antibodies (body’s defense cells) to fight against it. Repeated exposure to latex containing substance triggers the release of histamine (a substance that is responsible for inflammation) and other chemicals that leads to multiple allergic symptoms. Latex allergy may occur in the following ways: • Via direct contact with latex containing objects like hand gloves, vehicle tyre, condoms, toys and so on. • By inhaling latex particles produced by the latex containing objects and substances. It should be noted that, there is also synthetic latex (not natural) that can be used as an alternative to natural latex which is unlikely to cause an allergy. Symptoms Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and often get worsened by repeated exposure to natural latex. Milder symptoms often occur 12 to 36 hours after the exposure to latex containing product. A person allergic to natural latex may experience the following symptoms: • Progressive itching • Scaling of the skin • Reddening of the skin • Rashes • Swelling of the body or some specific part of the body • Sneezing • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) • Watery eyes, runny nose • Sore throat, cough • Obstructed breathing • Hoarse voice • Diarrhoea • Abdominal cramps • Discoloration of the face and body In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur, causing following signs and symptoms: • Difficulty in breathing • Nausea and vomiting • Rattling sound in the chest due to obstructed airways • Low blood pressure • Dizziness • Confusion • Altered heart beats (either too fast or too slow) • Unconsciousness When to see a doctor? If you notice any of the above mentioned allergic reactions, typically when you are exposed to products containing natural latex, talk to your doctor and ask for further diagnosis. If you have a known allergy to latex and notice specific signs and symptoms indicating anaphylactic shock (as
mentioned in symptoms) seek emergency medical attention and prompt treatment, as it may be life threatening. Diagnosis If you are experiencing specific symptoms, typically on exposure to particular substances or objects you should get yourself diagnosed to find out the underlying cause of allergy. Diagnosis of latex allergy may involve a physical exam and some laboratory investigations. • Physical exam – To look for skin reactions and other symptoms. • Assessment of medical and personal history for high risk professions or family history of allergy. • Allergy test – Specific latex allergens may be pricked into the skin to assess an allergic reaction like reddening and bumps. • Blood exam – To check for individual’s sensitivity to latex. Who are at Risk? Some people have increased risk of developing the latex allergy. These may include: • Those with a spinal defect called spina bifida and need frequent health care • Those who require multiple surgeries or procedures that involves exposure to latex containing medical tools • Those who work in the health sector • Workers in rubber production house • Having different allergies passing through the generations
Food allergy and latex allergy are closely linked, read how? Several foods contain similar protein (allergen) that is found in latex or have cross reactions with latex protein (latex fruit syndrome). So, those with latex allergy may notice allergic reactions after eating specific foods which include: • High risk foods: Banana, Kiwi, Chestnut, etc. • Moderate risk foods: Carrot, watermelon, apple, tomato and raw potato. • Low risk foods: Grapes, apricot, mango, shellfish, peppers, peanut, pineapple, cherry, strawberry, walnut, coconut, sunflower, and so on. Knowing what to eat or avoid, may help one to prevent allergic reactions. Treatment As such, there is no permanent cure for allergy so preventing the exposure is the best way to keep the symptoms away. However, various approaches may be implemented to reduce the symptoms and its severity, including: • Drugs and medications: To control the specific symptoms like itching, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, etc. E.g. Antihistamines, emollients, adrenaline, steroids and so on. • Epinephrine injection – It should be carried along all the time if one has severe allergic reactions to latex allergens. • Treatment of anaphylactic shock: Following treatments may be recommended to treat life threatening events: • An injection of epinephrine (auto injectors are also available) • Care under emergency setting
Oxygen supplementation • Treatment with corticosteroid (either as an inhaler or in the form of tablets it may be prescribed) •
Prevention Avoid exposure to high risk substances or objects containing latex • Eat right and healthy • Avoid foods that may trigger allergic reactions • Take precautions if you are employed in the healthcare sector or rubber industry • Choose an alternative to objects made up of natural latex e.g. You may choose synthetic rubber products, non-latex gloves etc. • Talk to your doctor about your allergies. •