Many people with Spina Bifida and congenital urological abnormalities are allergic to latex. Allergic responses can vary from watery eyes, wheezing, hives, rashes, and swelling to a more severe reaction called anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening. Some people are so allergic that they react to breathing the powder from inside surgical latex gloves or ballooons. Latex is the sap from a tropical tree.
Rubber is produced when chemicals are added to the latex to increase elasticity and strength.
Many products commonly used in the hospital, school, community, and at home contain latex. A short list of commonly used products containing latex, and their non-latex substitutes, follow the article. Although anyone can develop a latex allergy certain groups are at greater risk. Repeated contact with latex products may increase the risk of allergy. If your child has ever had a reaction of any kind to a latex product, if you think that a reaction may have occurred, or if he or she has had an unexplained allergic reaction during an operation, please inform health care professionals who care for your child.