What are the consequences of a severe latex allergy if exposure to latex can be limited, but not entirely avoided?

Question

What are the consequences of a severe latex allergy if exposure to latex can be limited, but not entirely avoided?

Answer

Latex allergy is a hypersensitivity to latex, which is a natural substance, derived from the milky sap of the rubber tree. Like any other type of allergy this is due to the immune system of the body reacting to an otherwise harmless substance called an allergen. There are two types of allergic reactions with latex. The first may not be a reaction to the latex itself but to chemical additives used in the manufacturing process. This type of allergy usually causes contact dermatitis. The second type of reaction is much more serious and has only been recognised within the last decade. It involves a reaction to the proteins in the latex. It is much more serious and in rare instances can cause an allergic shock, which manifests itself by a loss of blood pressure, breathing difficulties and tissue swelling. Thus, although most allergic reactions to latex involve things like itchy rashes and redness, there are some latex allergies, which should be taken seriously. Almost all of these serious reactions occur in professionally exposed people such as health care workers. This seems to be much more prevalent in nurses than in surgeons, which may be due to the latex properties of the materials used. There seems to be a good correlation between the allergic content of the latex material one is exposed to and the reaction to it. It is possible for those who usually have the least serious reactions to develop the more serious reactions although it should be emphasised that fatalities are extremely rare.

The best way of preventing any type of allergy is to avoid exposure. This may be easier with latex allergies as there are non-latex containing alternatives. If you are not sure whether a substance such as a balloon contains latex, you should refrain from touching it until you can be sure that it is latex free. It may however be impossible if one is a professional to avoid latex altogether, but it is usually possible to limit the use of latex products and to find products that are either less irritating or latex free. However, having said that, there are cases of professionals who have had to change their job or have been unable to work because of latex sensitivity.

If you do have a reaction to latex it depends on the type of reaction and the severity of the reaction. An antihistamine tablet may be all that is required or if there are more severe symptoms then corticosteroid drugs may be necessary. Agents can be administered by tablets, nasal or bronchal sprays or topical creams. It should always be remembered that effective drugs, however given, also produce side effects and therefore the risk benefit of any treatment needs to be weighed up for you in conjunction with your own doctor. Should you have one of the serious reactions, which may lead to asthma with wheezing and breathing difficulties and a drop in your blood pressure, and perhaps swelling of the tissue, then this is an emergency and you need urgent treatment probably at a hospital unless your own doctor has the facilities to give emergency injections and intravenous fluids. It may be necessary for you yourself to carry this emergency equipment and perhaps even to learn how to use it or to make sure that colleagues within the place where you work and are exposed to latex would know how to use it.

In summary, if there is any doubt about your being sensitive to latex you need to see a doctor and preferably one who is up-to-date on allergies and their management. Until you have this expert advice you are advised to avoid contact with all latex containing materials, even if that means that you are not able to carry out your professional duties until the problem is sorted out.