What is a latex allergy?
Natural rubber latex, a milky
What are the symptoms of a latex allergy?
When a child with a latex allergy comes in contact with products that contain latex, they may experience the following symptoms:
- watery or itchy eyes
- wheezing
- hives
- flushing of the skin or a skin rash
- itching of the skin
- swelling of the skin
In some cases, severe reactions ("anaphylactic shock") can occur in which the child may have problems breathing, experience chest tightness, or have swelling of his/her throat or tongue. Severe reactions require emergency treatment.The symptoms of a latex allergy may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Who is at risk for developing latex allergy?
Some children are more likely to become latex sensitive. These are children who have frequent exposure to latex from medical procedures, including:
- children with spina bifida.
- children born with anomalies of the urinary system.
- children who have had many surgeries.
Children who have allergies to certain foods may also have a latex allergy. Both the foods and the latex may have some of the same proteins. Commonly eaten foods which contain some of the same proteins as latex include the following:
- bananas
- avocados
- chestnuts
- kiwi
- passion fruit
- papaya
- figs
- peaches
- nectarines
- plums
- tomatoes
- celery
Tell your child's caregivers if:
- your child has ever had any type of reaction to a latex product.
- you think your child has had a reaction to latex.
- your child has an unexplained allergic reaction during an operation.
Your child's caregivers include dentists, physical/occupational therapists, physicians and nurses, teachers, daycare providers and babysitters, and friends and family members.
If your child is allergic to latex:
Alert the surgical team during your preoperative visit. They will plan for a latex free surgery and postoperative environment.
- Avoid ALL latex products at home and in the hospital. Use items that do not have latex in them.
- Ask your child's physician to evaluate him/her for pre-medication before surgery to help prevent a reaction.
- Use a Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace.
- Carry a pair of non-latex gloves, information about latex allergies, and/or a note from your child's physician.
- Be sure hospital and school records have a latex allergy alert.
- Teach your child to know and avoid latex products.
- Ask your child's physician about the use of injectable epinephrine for your child in the event of an emergency. Have it available for your child in all of his/her surroundings (at home, in the car, at daycare, etc.).
- Know what to do in case of an emergency. Discuss this with your child's physician and school nurse.
Note: Avoiding latex products may decrease the chance of your child developing this allergy.
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