LATEX ALLERGY
What is a
natural rubber latex?
What is latex allergy? What are
latex allergy symptoms? How are
latex allergy preventions? How to
diagnose latex allergy?
The term "natural rubber latex" refers to a milky fluid,
processed plant product manufactured almost exclusively from the rubber
tree Hevea brasiliensis, commonly found in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Other types of butyl- or petroleum-based synthetic rubbers are also referred to as
"latex," but these do not normally release proteins which trigger
allergic reaction to latex sensitive individuals.
How does latex allergen trigger? If a latex-sensitive individual gets
direct contact with latex, allergic reactions follow. Studies have shown
that cases of latex allergy have becoming fatal and have relatively
increased recently. Although latex gloves are proven effective in
preventing transmission of many contagious diseases, health care workers
are advised to be aware of the harmful effects of latex made products to
themselves and to their patients. Medical operations where doctors and
health care workers are wearing latex gloves, breathing in glove donning
powder, blowing up a balloon, or using condom protection are potential
latex allergy triggers and exposures. Similarly, snapping on a pair of
gloves and sending a shower of powder through the air can also trigger an
asthma attack.
Health care givers must be aware of latex hazards since they are the most
common individuals exposed to latex products, particularly latex gloves.
Individuals experiencing allergy symptoms should take extra precautions to
future latex products exposures.
If a dental assistant, emergency room nurse, police
officer or food handler approaches wearing gloves, be
cautious and ask what they are made of, to avoid possible latex allergy
attack.
Latex is very common in medical houses' supplies such as disposable latex
gloves, intravenous tubing, syringes, stethoscopes, catheters, dressings
and bandages. It is also contained in some rubber made consumer products
such as balloons, tires, underwear leg and waistbands, rubber toys,
nipples, pacifiers, shoe soles, erasers, rubber masks, adhesives, rubber
bands, mousepads, carpet backing, spandex, etc. As mentioned above, latex
sensitive individuals must be cautious not to get contact with latex
products.
What are latex allergy symptoms? Latex allergy has similar symptoms
to bee venom or pet allergy. Reactions or symptoms are generally acute
which include itchy, swollen eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose,
breathing problem, skin reactions or contact dermatitis, mimic hay fever
or asthma, hives or anaphylactic reaction (needs urgent medical
assistance). Anaphylaxis, the worst reaction which can affect almost all
body parts of the patient, may include abrupt drop in blood pressure,
flushed skin, unconsciousness, breathing problem, swelling of the throat,
tongue and nose. Other symptoms such as skin reactions may not be as
life-threatening but can also lead to development of latex allergy if
latex exposure is continued.
Latex allergy develops after repeated exposure to latex. Cases of
anaphylaxis results from inhaling the released latex proteins absorbed or
contained in some latex products. Once the product is snapped on and off,
the proteins turn into airborne, establishing allergic reactions to
individuals with latex hypersensitivity.
Latex allergy can develop at any age or under any
circumstances. Symptoms can appear as early as seven to
ten days from first contact. Once a sensitivity to latex
has developed, a reaction can occur within 24 to 48 hours.
Who are prone latex allergy? Health care workers, dentists and other
medical personnel are, since they use latex gloves/rubber and other
medical supplies. Parents, police, paramedics and personnel from emergency
services must also understand the risk of using latex products. On the
other hand, people who are likely to get latex allergy are those who
are repeatedly exposed to latex products through inhalation, individuals who
have medical histories of allergies, multiple surgeries, urinary
catheterizations and food allergies. Hairdressers and workers in
industries that manufacture latex products are also likely to develop
latex allergy.
There are also foods which can cross-react with latex allergy. Among them
are avocado, cherries, chestnuts, raw potato, figs, bananas, kiwi, apple,
carrot, celery, almonds, papaya, plums, passion fruit, peaches, pear,
melons, tomatoes, peanuts, citrus fruits, coconut, peppers, mango,
pineapple and hazelnuts.
LATEX ALLERGY TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
How can latex allergy be prevented? How can individuals who are prone to
latex allergy protect themselves from allergic reactions? Before getting
contact with all latex products and medical supplies, it is important to
check and review the latex content of each product. Using synthetic and
vinyl products are safe alternatives since most latex products have
donning powders containing latex proteins (allergens) in them. Individuals
who are sensitive to latex products, particularly health care workers who
have skin irritations or contact dermatitis, must stop using latex gloves
and their co-workers must cooperate by not using powdered gloves, but use
non-powdered low-allergen gloves as alternative instead. Patients should
consult their allergy specialist so they can be warned of situations such
as when and where they are at risk. Their specialist will give them
beneficial tips to avoid latex allergens. Personal initiative to use
warning bracelets and other allergy attack shields should be worn at all
times. It is also wise to set schedule in advance when visiting any health
care workers (who likely use latex gloves) instead of showing up without
warning. In this way, the health specialist can prepare his materials and
will prefer to use latex gloves alternatives.
Aside from prevention and treatment tips at medical scenes, there are also
other measures to help prevent allergic reactions. But the primary
treatment of latex allergy is avoidance. Here are other suggestions:
-
Upon wearing latex gloves, do not apply hand
creams or lotion. After removing, wash hands immediately with soap then
dry thoroughly.
-
Proper housekeeping sanitation such as
keeping everything latex dust-free is also a must. Soak articles in water
and wash them well with soap to lessen the chance of allergic reaction.
Laundering your clothes meticulously before wearing them will also help.
-
Grab opportunities to learn more about latex
allergy education by attending seminars and other procedures for
preventing latex allergy.
-
Another tip is to avoid eating the
foods which can cross-react and trigger latex
allergy.
Since one of the most common cores of allergy, asthma and
sinusitis is fungal infections, as well as polyps, reflux disease and bacteria, you
have to make sure that your home and real estate is free from
molds and mildew, which later may develop into molds, and prevent
any of their future growth.
RESOURCES:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/98-113.html
http://www.doctorgupta.com/allergies-latex-allergies.htm
http://www.asthmaandsinuscenter.com/latexallergy/default.htm |
