They may be serious and potentially lethal. Some patients can experience irritation of the nasal passages similar to hay fever. Patients with a topical sensitivity to latex should be considered at increased risk of a systemic reaction. An even more dangerous form of systemic latex allergy is an immediate hypersensitivity to latex, i.e., anaphylaxis, which can result in seriously low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, broncho constriction and even death. Although the amount of exposure needed to cause sensitization or symptoms is not known, exposures, at even very low levels, can trigger anaphylatic reactions in some sensitized individuals.
Reactions usually begin within minutes of exposure to latex, but they can occur hours later.
He has 20 years experience as a volunteer fire and EMS provider on Long Island. Arnold earned his MS degree in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan and did both basic and applied research before making EMS his full-time carrier. Arnold lives with his wife on Long Island, in Holtsville. Readers are reminded to consult with local laws, medical control, regulations, and protocols before adopting procedures described above. All Rights Reserved.