Allergic diseases that develop due to latex can be seen in the form of itching and rash on the body, and sometimes they can be encountered with a fatal situation such as shortness of breath, low blood pressure and then allergic shock (anaphylactic shock). Correct diagnosis of latex allergy is important as it can cause a very serious allergic reaction. Latex allergy should be diagnosed by allergists and necessary precautions should be taken.
WHAT IS LATEX ALLERGY?
Nowadays, we encounter new chemical substances that increase day by day due to industrial developments. Latex, produced especially from the natural rubber tree used in many areas, is one of the most important industrial raw materials. Natural latex is obtained from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).
Latex allergy is now considered an international health problem, as it has been seen to increasingly cause many health problems in recent years. In high-risk groups with high latex exposure in society, especially healthcare workers, rubber industry workers, children with spina bifida and urogenital anomalies, atopic people and patients with certain fruit allergies (especially kiwi, avocado, chestnut and banana), patients with many surgical history. This rate can be up to 10-12%.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LATEX ALLERGY?
If you are allergic to latex, after contact with latex-containing products through the skin, you will experience complaints such as itching and redness on the skin, while contact with the respiratory tract will cause nose irritation. It may cause complaints such as discharge, sneezing, itching or shortness of breath, wheezing. Apart from these, the most serious allergic reactions may include shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, and then allergic shock (anaphylactic shock). Your body detects latex as an allergen and initiates an allergic reaction. Latex allergies are more common in those who are regularly exposed to latex products, such as rubber gloves. Therefore, this allergy is common among healthcare workers and people who have had more than one surgery.
The most common reaction in latex allergy is contact urticaria, especially at the site of contact. If contact with latex products continues for a long time, contact derm atitis can be seen. The most serious allergic reaction is anaphylaxis due to latex. Approximately 50% of people with latex allergy have a history of another allergy. In patients with latex allergy, allergic reactions to various fruits and vegetables are seen much more frequently than normal, and the same allergic conditions that occur with latex occur with these foods. In some patients with latex allergy, allergic shock may develop with some fruits such as banana, chestnut, kiwi, avocado and tomato.
Latex allergic reactions range from mild to very severe. There are hundreds of cases of anaphylaxis each year due to latex allergy, a life-threatening allergic reaction. The severity of latex-related allergic reactions may worsen with repeated exposure to the substance.
HOW IS LATEX ALLERGY DIAGNOSED?
Considering the potential for a very serious allergic reaction, it is very important to make a correct diagnosis of latex allergy.
Skin prick test is the most reliable test to determine latex sensitivity. It is used to demonstrate latex type I (early type) sensitivity in patients with suspected latex allergy. It is important to perform skin prick tests, especially in patients who develop complaints immediately after latex contact. Since those with latex allergy may also have complaints about fruits, it is important for the patient to look for fruits and vegetables that give cross-reactivity as well as latex allergy.
Atopy patch test has been shown to be useful for skin reactions in patients with skin lesions and contact dermatitis complaints.
In people with suspected latex allergy, latex provocation tests may need to be performed to explain the complaints. Provocation tests with latex must be done under the supervision of an allergist, as they can cause very serious reactions.
HOW IS LATEX ALLERGY TREATED?
The best treatment for latex allergy is to avoid all products containing latex. Patients who have had a severe latex allergy reaction must carry an allergy card and an epinephrine (adrenaline) automatic injector for emergency treatment. Healthcare workers who have a history of latex sensitivity and need to wear gloves should stop wearing latex gloves. If you develop a latex allergy However, special precautions are needed both in the workplace and during medical procedures. If one is allergic to latex, one should avoid direct contact with all products and devices containing latex. It is recommended to avoid foods that cause allergic reactions as they may cross-react with foods near the nose.
Patients who have anaphylactic shock due to latex allergy must carry an adrenaline autoinjector with them. Patients need to learn how to use the adrenaline autoinjector. There are studies showing that allergy vaccination (immunotherapy) is effective in latex allergy, but immunotherapy for latex is not performed in our country. Apart from precautions in latex allergy, there are positive results regarding anti-IgE, one of the newly developed drugs.
Conclusion
Allergic diseases that develop due to latex can be seen in the form of itching and rash on the body, as well as allergic reactions. It may also present with a fatal condition such as shock (anaphylactic shock).
Latex allergy is now considered an international health problem, as it has been seen to increasingly cause many health problems in recent years.
The most common latex allergy is The reaction seen is contact urticaria, which develops especially at the point of contact.
Approximately 50% of people with latex allergy have a history of another allergy.
Skin prick test is the most reliable test to determine latex sensitivity.
Latex allergy. The best treatment for the disease is to avoid any product containing latex.
It is necessary to carry an allergy card and an epinephrine (adrenaline) automatic injector for emergency treatment.
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