In severe cases, the reaction may be life threatening, with labored breathing, chest tightness, violent coughing and seizures.
Some people are so allergic that they react to breathing the powder from inside latex gloves.
When chemicals to increase the durability, elasticity and strength are added to the latex, rubber is produced. Anyone can develop a latex allergy, but certain groups of people are at greater risk of becoming latex allergic. It is not known exactly how this allergy develops. It is also possible to be allergic and not yet have had a significant reaction. Allergy is confirmed with a blood test, the IGE RAST for latex.