Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a latex allergy?
- Symptoms
- What are the symptoms of a latex allergy?
- When do you need to see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes this allergy?
- Who is at risk of having this allergy?
- Medicine and medication
- How is a latex allergy diagnosed?
- What treatment options are available?
- Prevention
- How to prevent recurrence of this allergy?
Definition
What is a latex allergy?
Latex allergy is the immune system's response to certain proteins in latex rubber. The term "latex" refers to natural rubber latex, which is a product made from the sap derived from rubber trees, Hevea brasiliensis.
Latex is commonly used as a material for condoms, gloves, medical devices, and synthetic wound dressings, including rubber bands. Some types of synthetic rubber are also referred to as "latex," but they lack the protein that causes an allergic reaction.
This mild allergy symptom is characterized by the appearance of a rash, redness, itching, and red patches on the skin. More severe reactions may result in respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and an itchy throat.
This condition must be diagnosed through an allergy test by a specialist. If you are found to be allergic to this substance, such as a condom, there are several treatment options that can help relieve symptoms and prevent an occasional recurrence of allergies.
Latex rarely causes a dangerous reaction. However, this condition still has the potential to cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Therefore, you are advised to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of a latex allergy?
People who are allergic to latex will experience symptoms immediately after touching latex products. Latex allergy symptoms can also appear when you inhale invisible latex granules when someone takes off the latex gloves.
In sensitive people, allergy symptoms usually appear within minutes. However, there are also those who only feel the symptoms after a few hours. The reactions that appear may vary depending on how sensitive your immune system is.
Symptoms of a mild latex allergy include itching, redness, and a rash on the skin. Meanwhile, in more severe allergies, you can also experience symptoms in the form of:
- runny nose,
- sneeze,
- itchy throat
- itchy and watery eyes, as well
- asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.
When do you need to see a doctor?
Latex allergy symptoms will gradually improve after you avoid the triggers or take allergy medications. However, there are also the most dangerous forms of allergic reactions that must be treated medically.
The most dangerous reaction from this allergy is known as anaphylaxis. This condition is experienced by allergy sufferers who are really sensitive, but usually rarely occurs when someone is exposed to latex for the first time or inhales the particles.
Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can lead to death if not treated immediately. The signs are as follows.
- Shortness of breath due to swelling of the airways.
- Swelling appears on the body.
- Drastic drop in blood pressure.
- The heart beats with a weak pulse.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Dizziness and confusion.
- Fainting or coma.
Seek medical help immediately if you develop anaphylactic shock after exposure to latex. People who experience mild symptoms should also consult a doctor to determine whether latex is the trigger.
Cause
What causes this allergy?
The cause of this allergy is the body's immune system that perceives latex as a dangerous foreign substance. When you touch or inhale latex particles, the immune system sends antibodies and various chemicals into the blood to fight them.
One of the chemicals released by the immune system is histamine. This substance plays a role in causing itching and other allergy symptoms. The longer you are exposed to latex, the stronger the immune system's reaction will be, which will make your symptoms worse.
In general, this allergy can occur in the following two ways.
- Direct contact. Direct contact with limbs when using latex gloves, balloons, or condoms can trigger an allergic reaction.
- Inhalation of particles. Latex products can fly latex fine grains into the air. The inhaled particles can then trigger an immune system response.
Who is at risk of having this allergy?
The risk of a person developing latex allergy increases if they experience the following conditions.
- Have a history of allergies. The risk of developing this allergy increases if you have other allergies or a family member who suffers from allergies.
- Repeatedly underwent surgery. Latex gloves and medical devices used by medical personnel can increase the risk of developing allergies.
- Work as a medical personnel. Medical personnel must repeatedly wear gloves and medical equipment made from latex.
- Working in a rubber factory. Rubber, which is the raw material for latex products, can also trigger allergies.
- Suffering from spina bifida. Patients with spina bifida are often exposed to latex medical devices from infancy so they are more prone to have allergies.
Medicine and medication
How is a latex allergy diagnosed?
Before giving treatment, the doctor must make sure that you are indeed allergic to this rubber-based item. Your doctor will first ask about your symptoms, including when they first appeared and how severe they were.
The type of examination used for diagnosis is the so-called allergy skin test skin prick test. The doctor will inject a small dose of latex into the top layer of the skin on your arm using a small needle.
The doctor then observes the symptoms that appear for a few minutes. If you are allergic to this, small bumps will appear in the area of the skin that was injected. If deemed necessary, the doctor can also perform blood tests to test the sensitivity of your immune system.
What treatment options are available?
Latex allergies cannot be cured, but you can relieve symptoms by taking antihistamines. Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical in allergic reactions that causes various allergic symptoms in the body.
Doctors sometimes also prescribe corticosteroid drugs to relieve allergy symptoms. These drugs are effective at relieving inflammation caused by allergies, but their effects may not be as fast as antihistamines. You also have to take it with a doctor's prescription.
Allergy sufferers who are at risk for anaphylaxis need emergency medication in the form of epinephrine. This injectable drug is first aid for severe allergic reactions. So you have to provide it at home and carry it with you everywhere.
Prevention
How to prevent recurrence of this allergy?
The best way to prevent an allergy recurrence is to avoid the triggers. This is certainly not easy because a lot of everyday items are made of latex, but you can start by not touching something carelessly.
Many of the medical devices in dental clinics, operating rooms, and hospital examination rooms are made of latex. So, you should always tell the medical personnel involved that you have an allergy so that they prepare kits made from non-latex.
Latex allergy sufferers should also be careful before having sex using a condom. Latex condoms can trigger allergies, so it's best to use condoms with other ingredients such as polyurethane, polyisoprene, or natural ingredients.
Provide allergy medication in case of recurrence of allergies as well as epinephrine injections if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction. Tell someone close to you how to inject epinephrine in case you become unconscious.
Latex allergy is an immune system reaction triggered by latex in various daily products and medical devices. Like other types of allergies, this allergy cannot be cured, but you can manage the symptoms by consulting a doctor and taking allergy medication.
