ALLERGY TO NATURAL RUBBER (LATEX)

TYPES

In case you’re oversensitive to latex, you’re probably going to have symptoms immediately after contacting latex rubber items, for example, gloves or inflatables. If someone removes latex gloves, it could also release latex particles that triggers your allergy.

Latex sensitivity side effects go from mild to extreme. A response relies upon the amount of latex you contact with or breathe in. Your response can worsen with more latex exposure.

SYMPTOMS

Mild latex hypersensitivity symptoms include:

• Skin itching
• Skin redness
• Hives or rash
• Wheezing
• Runny nose
• Irritated, watery eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Cough
• Anaphylaxis, which can lead to death.

DIAGNOSIS

For your diagnosis, your healthcare specialist will ask you for your symptoms and medical history as well as will examine your skin. Inform your specialist about your hypersensitivity to latex and your other signs and symptoms. To rule out the reasons for your allergy symptoms, he will ask you additional questions.

An allergist will examine you for a skin test, to determine your latex protein reaction.

Another way to test your latex sensitivity is through blood tests.

TREATMENT

The only way to prevent latex allergy is to avoid products that contain latex. Even though many medications are now available in the market, latex allergy still has no cure.

You cannot completely avoid latex allergy. It is advisable for you to carry injectable epinephrine all the time if you are severe latex allergy. If you experience severe latex allergy you have to immediate go to an emergency clinic.

Ask your doctor to prescribe you with an antihistamine or some corticosteroid, so you can bring them anywhere where you know you will be exposed to latex. This is to avoid severe latex reactions.