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Home : No Latex : What Is Latex?
Natural Rubber Latex
Natural rubber latex is a raw material derived from a rubber tree called the Hevea brasiliensis. It is a white milky fluid containing approximately 60% water, 35% rubber, and 5% proteins, amino acids and some carbohydrates. The natural rubber latex is harvested manually by cutting a spiral groove in the tree and allowing the fluid to drain. The raw natural rubber latex is then combined with other chemicals to create the durability, flexibility and strength required for a myriad of medical and consumer products.
Researchers have determined that the proteins in the natural rubber latex (hevea proteins) or the chemicals used in the manufacturing process are the primary sources of the allergic reactions or the combination of the two. Severe reactions may occur after even one minute of exposure.
Reactions
Several hundred cases of severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and 28 deaths have been reported to the FDA. The two types of reactions are categorized as follows:
Type IV
Delayed cell mediated reactions: clinical manifestations of delayed allergic reaction include symptoms of contact dermatitis, such as pruritus, edema, erythema, vesicles, drying papules, and crusting and thickening of the skin and it spreads upon contact.
Type I
Immediate, IgE mediated, and anaphylactic. The onset usually occurs within minutes with symptoms of generalized urticaria, wheezing, dyspnea, laryngeal edema, branchiospasm, tachycardia, angioedema, hypotension and cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of Latex Allergy
Latex allergy can be mild or severe, with symptoms such as the following:
- Itchy, red, watery eyes;
- Sneezing or runny nose;
- Coughing;
- Rash or hives;
- Chest tightness and shortness of breath; and,
- Shock.
A latex-sensitive person can also have a life-threatening allergic reaction with no previous warning or symptoms.
Who Is at Risk?
Latex products are everywhere. Anyone can become allergic to latex. People with the highest risk are those who have had many operations, especially in childhood. People with spina bifida and urologic abnormalities are also at risk. Health care workers and rubber industry workers are at risk. Health care workers with hay fever seem to have an even higher chance of becoming allergic to latex. A quarter of all health care workers with hay fever show signs of being latex sensitized.
What to Do
Ask for Latex-Free Alternatives.
Latex sensitivity is a new problem for patients and health care personnel. Although natural rubber latex has been a common component in thousands of medical and consumer products for many years, latex allergy reactions, including anaphylaxis, are occurring at greater frequency. All health care professionals should be cognizant of persons at risk, signs and symptoms, and prevention. Health care hospitals and agencies should set up protocols to meet the many challenges and prepare to treat or prevent reactions in the patients and employees. Increased knowledge of latex allergies is critical to physicians and health care personnel to avoid these potentially catastrophic emergencies. Remember, avoiding exposure to latex is the single most important measure to prevent latex allergy reaction or anaphylaxis.
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