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Latex allergies - for hospital patients
Latex products - hospital; Latex allergy - hospital; Latex sensitivity - hospital; Contact dermatitis - latex allergy; Allergy - latex; Allergic reaction - latex
If you have a latex allergy, your skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose, or other moist areas) react when latex touches them. A severe latex allergy can affect breathing and cause other serious problems.
Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees. It is very strong and stretchy. So, it is used in a lot of medical equipment.
Hospital Items That Contain Latex
Common hospital items that may contain latex include:
- Surgical and exam gloves
- Catheters and other tubing
- Sticky tape or electrode pads that can be attached to your skin during an EKG
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Tourniquets (bands used to stop or slow blood flow)
- Stethoscopes (used to listen to your heart beat and breathing)
- Grips on crutches and crutch tips
- Bed sheet protectors
- Elastic bandages and wraps
- Wheelchair tires and cushions
- Medicine vials
Other hospital items may also contain latex.
Are you at Risk for a Latex Allergy?
Over time, frequent contact with latex increases the risk of a latex allergy. People in this group include:
- Hospital workers
- People who have had many surgeries
- People with conditions like spina bifida and urinary tract defects (tubing is often used to treat them)
Others who may become allergic to latex are people who are allergic to foods that have the same proteins that are in latex. These foods include bananas, avocado, and chestnuts.
Foods that are less strongly linked with latex allergy include:
- Kiwi
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Celery
- Melons
- Tomatoes
- Papayas
- Figs
- Potatoes
- Apples
- Carrots
Diagnosis
Latex allergy is diagnosed by how you have reacted to latex in the past. If you developed a rash or other symptoms after contact with latex, you are allergic to latex. Allergy skin testing can help diagnose a latex allergy.
Allergy skin testing
Allergy skin tests are used to find out which substances cause a person to have an allergic reaction.
A blood test can also be done. If you have latex antibodies in your blood, you are allergic to latex. Antibodies are substances your body makes in response to latex allergens .
Antibodies
An antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...
Allergens
An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As ...
Signs and Symptoms of Latex Allergies
You can have a reaction to latex if your skin, mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, or other moist areas), or bloodstream (during surgery) come into contact with latex. Breathing in the powder on latex gloves can also cause reactions.
Symptoms of latex allergy include:
- Dry, itchy skin
-
Hives
Hives
Hives are raised, often itchy, red bumps (welts) on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine. They can al...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Skin redness and swelling
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Scratchy throat
- Wheezing or coughing
Signs of a severe allergic reaction often involve more than one body part. Some of the symptoms are:
- Having a hard time breathing or swallowing
- Dizziness or fainting
- Confusion
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps
- Pale or red skin
- Symptoms of shock, such as shallow breathing, cold and clammy skin, or weakness
A severe allergic reaction is an emergency. You must be treated right away.
How to Avoid Exposure to Latex in the Hospital
If you have a latex allergy, avoid items that contain latex. Ask for equipment that is made with vinyl or silicone instead of latex. Other ways to avoid latex while you are in the hospital include asking for:
- Equipment, such as stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs, to be covered, so that they do not touch your skin
- A sign to be posted on your door and notes in your medical chart about your allergy to latex
- Any latex gloves or other items that contain latex to be removed from your room
- The pharmacy and dietary staff to be told about your latex allergy so they do not use latex when they prepare your medicines and food
References
Grier T; American Latex Allergy Association; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Latex Cross-reactive Foods Fact Sheet. Updated October 8, 2015. latexallergyresources.org/latex-cross-reactive-foods-fact-sheet . Accessed April 7, 2016.
Lumiere C, Vandenplas O. Occupational allergy and asthma. In: Adkinson NF Jr, Bochner BS, Burks AW, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy Principles and Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 59.
Sussman G, Gold M; American Latex Allergy Association; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Guidelines for the Management of Latex Allergies. Updated 2016. latexallergyresources.org/articles/guidelines-management-latex-allergies . Accessed April 7, 2016.
Review Date: 3/20/2016
Reviewed By: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
