Latex

I mentioned this a couple of days ago but it kind of got buried in another thread.

Does anyone know much about latex allergy? Can you be a little bit allergic?

The hospital is not totally convinced that I am clear of this one even though I use rubber gloves for washing dishes. Some of my answers on the "quiz" were iffy and I had a reaction once that my doctory thought might be latex.

They are trying to get me in to be tested, and now that my surgery has been delayed a week it helps, but I like to research things myself and can't find much on the internet.

Thanks.

H i Laurie,

I have latex allergy. I began to have reactions several years ago; during medical exams, dental work, and after a suregry I had a horrible reaction. I saw an allergy specialist who did both a skin test and blood test. They need to do both - you can test negative to the skin test but the blood test still comes up positive. I tested positive. I now wear a Medic alert bracelet, had all my medical records updated to list the allergy, and I tell anyone examining me that I am latex allergic. When I had my hystrectomy they had to make sure the OR was all latex free; tubes, masks, catheter, etc. ALL latex free. You can be slighty allergic to latex but the more you are exposed the worse the allergy can become. They need to do more than "quiz" you. I think they need to do an allergy skin test and blood test.

Latex allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe; they usually occur within minutes of exposure, but can be delayed for sseveral hours. Symptoms can include one or more of the following:

Skin redness, itching, urticaria hives or welts, angeioedema
Runny nose, sneezing, rhinitis, nasal congestion
Redness, itching or tearing eyes, conjunctivitis, periorbital edema
Asthma, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Anaphylaxis (shock): Symptoms of Anaphylazis may include sudden (dangerous) drop in blood pressure, flushed skin, vomiting, cramps, difficulty breathing; swelling of the throat, tongue and nose, and loss of consciousness

If you are latex allergic you also need to be very careful about cross-reactivity - allergens reported to be associated (clinically or immunochemically) with natural rubber latex. For example I cannot eat bananas, avocados, kiwi, mango, celery, certain nuts, or soy. They are latex "related".

You can find great information at the American Latex Allergy Association. I'm not sure what resources are available in Canada but you might be able to get information here that can link you to other resources. This link will take you to the site's home page - at the top of their home page are buttons for resources, links, frequently asked questions, expert advice, support, and latex free products.

If there is even a slight chance you are allergic to latex the doctors and medicl staff need to be extremely cautious.

s