The irony is that the gloves doctors have been wearing to prevent infection for the past 15 to 20 years have turned into a source of medical problems themselves. An allergic reaction happens when the body's immune system reacts to the proteins in latex. Latex is natural rubber that comes from the sap of a rubber tree that grows in Africa and Southeast Asia. A latex allergy is like other allergies in that some people have antibodies that make them overly sensitive. Reactions often become worse as people are repeatedly exposed, and that's why there's an explosion of cases now.
Some sufferers just get red, itchy skin.
Others, like Josh, get congestion, hives, headaches and breathing problems. The worst reactions can move into anaphylactic shock, which can lead to death. I believe the first recorded case was in the early '80s. His office actively follows 20-30 children with latex allergy, but he knows there are many more. The most important thing about latex allergy is the reactions tend to be more severe and life threatening than most allergic reactions.