The need to inform medical caregivers, e.g. dentists, anesthetists, operating room staff, gynecologists, and emergency room staff, so that a potentially fatal allergic incident can be avoided. An allergy consult is recommended. The cornerstone to the management of latex allergy is avoidance of exposure to latex. The patient with a known of latex allergy may develop symptoms. Avoidance of latex in these patients may prevent the future onset of latex allergy.
Symptoms can occur immediately on contact with even one latex-containing item.
The overwhelming exposure that can occur in an operating room setting, for example, can quickly lead to problems. One case study in the literature describes a child with spina bifida who demonstrated generalized urticaria, facial and periorbital edema, hypotension, wheezing and decreased ventilatory compliance as a result of latex exposure during surgery. These lists are referred to in caring for a patient at risk for latex allergy, to ensure that non-latex alternatives are substituted. No latex gloves worn by anyone in the room, as the aeroallergens could elicit an allergic response. Non-latex alternatives are substituted for all items, including anesthetic equipment, blood pressure cuffs, catheters etc.