Natural-rubber latex is used in common hospital and medical items, such as surgical examination gloves, anesthetic tubing, intravenous lines, and ventilation bags, as well as many consumer products, including balloons, condoms, shoes, tires, underwear, and toys. Signs and symptoms of Latex Allergy may include rash or hives, itchy eyes, shortness of breath, feeling of faintness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Advanced symptoms may include hypotension, wheezing, bronchospasm, and could lead to cardiorespiratory arrest. Population at Risk- People most at risk of having or developing latex allergy are those who have other allergies, such as hay fever or asthma, and those who regularly use latex products, such as latex gloves, in their occupation. Patients that have multiple operations, that require chronic catheterizations, and those with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, are also at high risk.
Prevention is the most effective means of controlling latex allergies.
Patients with latex allergies should be scheduled first thing in the morning to avoid exposure to glove powder and other irritants in the air. Only latex-safe gloves and equipment should be used for that patient.