 |
Home 
conditions and treatments
allergies
latex allergies
Latex Allergy Treatment |
Latex Allergy TreatmentA person might show allergic symptoms when exposed to any latex containing products if he is sensitized.
Latex is found in more than 40,000 products and is a common component of surgical gloves. Diagnosis is made initially by the history. Latex-specific IgE testing and skin prick testing could be used to confirm the findings.
Latex-sensitized persons should be made aware of the latex content of common objects. .
The most effective strategy in the treatment of latex allergy is avoidance as there are no effective medications for latex allergy. The best possible means of managing this condition is to switch to latex free synthetic rubber, such as neoprene, nitrile, SBR etc could be used safely as alternatives to natural rubber.
These products do not contain naturally occurring proteins as in latex; hence there is no risk of latex allergy.
If you have a latex allergy, it is advisable to wear a medical alert bracelet that warns emergency medical technicians (EMTs`) and doctors that you are allergic to latex. Always carry an epinephrine self-injection pen, to use in case of a serious reaction emergency.
According the symptoms of the allergic reactions medications including antihistamines, adrenaline, and steroids could be used. If the symptoms are irritant contact dermatitis, antihistamine and/or corticosteroid medicines would be sufficient to deal with the symptoms.
Anaphylactic emergencies should be treated with epinephrine, injections, intravenous fluids and emergency hospitalization. Patients who are known to be allergic should stay away from products that might contain latex.
Even products labeled "safe latex" could not be termed fully safe as they might cause allergy.
Patients presenting clear symptoms of type I latex allergy could be treated like any other patient with systemic allergic reactions except the fact that they should be shielded from future contact with latex products to avert clinical deterioration.
Symptoms of latex allergy may progress rapidly and unpredictably to anaphylaxis. Use powder less gloves to reduce the risk of airborne particles as no treatment is available to desensitize the person allergic to latex. In the case of life threatening allergies, the first and foremost thing to bear in mind is to avoid contact with latex. Patients should be kept in a fully latex safe environment for the prevention of further complications.
Hospitals treating life threatening allergies should have latex-free resuscitation equipments along with latex-free IV tubing, ventilation equipment, syringes, electrode pads, tourniquets etc. At no point of time during the examination of the patient should the doctors expose the patient to latex products. |
|
| |
