Latex Allergy:
A Slippery Slope To Prevention
Although not a food allergy, a latex allergy is often generated from supplies which are used in the kitchen, namely the latex glove. A kitchen service worker or the medical field (medical, surgical and dentist's offices) all account for the largest percentage of use of latex in today's market. Other industries include the rubber industry worker or anyone spending large amounts of time in or near the hospital environment. Some other common uses that many people forget about though are: - latex balloons
- rubber bands, adhesive tape
- condoms
- baby bottle nipples
- baby pacifiers
- diaphragms, a method of birth control
- some medical supplies such as the tourniquet, face mask
- in the dentist's office - root canal fillings
- the Christmas poinsettia plant
What Is A Latex AllergyLatex is actually the finished component of a manufacturing process which originates from a rubber tree. Several of the proteins present in the original tree are the cause of the allergic reaction. Some people can actually be so sensitive that snapping a rubber band, another person blowing up a balloon, or being in the vicinity of someone pulling on a latex glove will release particulants into the air which can cause a severe allergic response. This condition can therefore easily escalate to a fatal anaphylactic response.Symptoms Common To The AllergyMany people do have a milder form of reactions to the allergy without generating a true severe anaphylactic response. Common symptoms may include:- skin rash will be present in area of contact
- sneezing or coughing spells
- redness in area of contact
- swelling and eye irritation on face
The difficult part of this allergy, except in severe cases, is a delayed response is often reported. Symptoms often do not show up until many hours to even days after exposure. Therefore narrowing down the cause can be quite difficult. It is actually not unusual that some of the following items can also trigger the symptoms of a latex allergy. This is because these items also have proteins present which are very similar to the proteins in the rubber plant. These common foods include: - bananas
- avocadoes
- chestnuts
- apples
- carrots
- celery
- papaya
- kiwi
- potato
- tomato
- melon
Normal Treatment OptionsBecause so many people have different degrees of severity of this condition, treatments can range anywhere from the easy OTC (over the counter) medication to hospitalization. Some common therapies for relief include:- OTC antihistamines such as Benadryl
- Steroids medications- either orally taken or by IV
- Injectable epinephrine to reverse severe symptoms
- Removal of all latex equipment and supplies from the immediate area
So, although a latex allergy is not as prevalent as many of the food allergies, the common use of the latex glove in and around the kitchen environment can cause a delayed reaction in many unsuspecting restaurant patrons or any family member. Care must be taken therefore to advise all restaurant staff about your sensitivity and confirm latex gloves were not worn during the preparation of your meal.
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*Disclaimer*
This site is not intended to replace the advice and supervision of your professional medical treatment plan. Although all of the information is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, we still recommend you carefully check all food labels before consuming any food product. We can not assume any legal responsibility for any illness obtained while following the advice contained on this site.
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