Latex Allergy Information

What is latex allergy?

Allergic responses to latex (rubber) products include watery eyes, wheezing, hives, rash, and swelling. In severe cases, the reaction may be life threatening, with labored breathing, chest tightness, violent coughing and seizures. These responses can occur when items containing latex touch the skin, the mucous membranes (like the mouth, genitals, bladder or rectum), body cavities or bloodstream (especially during surgery). Some people are so allergic that they react to breathing the powder from inside latex gloves.

What is latex?

Latex is the sap from the Hevea brasiliensis tree (rubber tree). When chemicals to increase the durability, elasticity and strength are added to the latex, rubber is produced. Many products commonly used in the hospital, the community and the home include latex, such as:

Hospital

• gloves
• tapes and band-aids
• tourniquets
• catheters
• IV and other tubing

Community

• balloons
• dental "dams"
• Ace bandages
• rubber balls
• art supplies

Home

• Koosh balls
• pacifiers
• condoms
• bottle nipples
• elastic

Who is allergic to latex?

Anyone can develop a latex allergy, but certain groups of people are at greater risk of becoming latex allergic. These groups consist of people who have frequent exposure to latex, and include:

• health professionals
• people with spina bifida
• people born with urologic abnormalities

It is not known exactly how this allergy develops. However, it is estimated that half of people with spina bifida are allergic to latex, with a range of symptoms from mild to severe (life-threatening). It is also possible to be allergic and not yet have had a significant reaction. Allergy is confirmed with a blood test, the IGE RAST for latex. Individuals with spina bifida should be tested.

What should be done?

• Anytime symptoms develop, remove the source immediately. If breathing becomes difficult or allergic response is severe, seek emergency care immediately.
• An epinephrine (adrenaline) kit may be necessary in an emergency situation until medical help is available. These are available at pharmacies with a prescription.
• A medical alert bracelet should be worn and allergy/reactions reported to the patient's health care staff. Medical records should be clearly marked with an allergy alert notice.
• All but emergency surgery should be postponed until reasonable precautions, including a latex-free environment, have been arranged. Make sure your surgical team is informed about latex allergy.
• Avoiding use of latex products in any setting, including: hospital and clinic, dental office, work, school, home. Examples:
  • Replace latex catheters with silicone, Teflon or vinyl.
  • Non-latex gloves should replace latex and glove finger cots.
  • Silk or plastic tape should be used in place of paper or adhesive tape.

The greatest risk seems to be when latex comes into contact with mucous membranes. This is particularly true for teenagers and adults with spina bifida. Those with a history of asthma, food allergy, eczema, multiple surgical procedures (especially of the urinary tract), and previous allergic reactions of any kind should have RAST testing and take particular caution.