What Is Natural Rubber (Latex)?
Natural rubber is produced from the fluid of tropical rubber trees. This fluid is processed to manufacture many household products, as well as synthetic and medical rubber products. Many medical products contain latex, including gloves, urinary catheters, rubber-made compressors, and equipment necessary for resuscitation.
What Is Latex Allergy?
Repeated exposure to the protein found in natural rubber can make you more susceptible to developing a latex allergy. If the immune system detects the presence of the protein, a reaction can begin within minutes. In some rare cases of latex exposure, a person may develop a skin rash, asthma, or anaphylactic shock.
What Products Contain Latex in Their Manufacture?
- Gloves
- Male contraceptives
- Balloons
- Rubber bands
- Shoes
- Materials used in packaging processes
If I Have a Latex Allergy, Does That Mean It Could Develop to Include an Allergy to Certain Foods?
Fifty percent of people who have a latex allergy also suffer from food allergies, particularly and commonly to bananas and nuts. However, other fruits and vegetables can also trigger allergic reactions.
What Is the Treatment for Latex Allergy?
Treatment through oral Antihistamine will be sufficient for most mild allergic conditions.
Patients who experience very severe reactions are usually given Epinephrine.
