19 February 2020 What is latex? Latex is a compound extracted from the rubber tree ( Hevea brasiliensis ) After the addition of chemical additives, latex is used to manufacture a variety of objects and materials of natural rubber, for example: Gloves; Balloons; Toys; Baby dunnies and teats; Garments; Condoms. What are the symptoms of latex allergy and how does exposure occur? After exposure to latex proteins , an allergic reaction of varying severity may occur, with:: Mild symptoms , such as skin lesions, itching, sneezing, nasal obstruction, itchy nose and eyes; More serious symptoms , such as difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat, fainting, loss of consciousness; Anaphylaxis , in rare cases, a very serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Latex exposure occurs by: Contacto com mucous membranes : Symptoms can occur after contact with balloons, gloves or other products containing latex, especially if there is direct contact with mucous membranes or during surgeries or other invasive medical procedures. Contact with respiratory tract : Symptoms, usually respiratory and ocular, may also occur due to contact with latex particles released into the air , together with the dust of the gloves, when they are removed. For this reason, reactions can occur in places where gloves are changed , namely operating rooms, intensive care units, delivery rooms, endoscopy units and laboratories. Contact with skin : Some people may experience late reactions (several hours after exposure) only on the skin that has been in contact with latex products, with occurence of reddish lesions that cause a itching and can induce the formation of cracks and fissures (contact allergic dermatitis). However, these reactions are usually associated with sensitization to rubber components other than latex. Can anyone have a latex allergy? Anyone can develop latex allergy, but some risk groups are identified , namely: Patients undergoing several surgeries in the first years of life , especially children with spina bifida or kidney malformations; Health professionals , hairdressers, beauticians and other professionals who frequently use latex gloves; Rubber industry workers . What is latex-fruit syndrome? Some latex proteins responsible for allergic reactions are very similar to proteins that exist in some fruits , namely chestnuts, bananas, avocados, kiwi, passion fruit, papaya, pineapples, cassava, tomatoes, among others. People with a latex allergy may develop severe allergies to the fruits mentioned above. How is the diagnosis latex allergy made? When there is a suspicion of latex allergy , the patient should be referred to an i mmunoallergology consultation . After obtaining a detailed medical history , with description of the symptoms that occur when in contact with latex, the immunoallergologist may: Perform skin prick tests with a latex protein extract; Request blood tests to establish a definitive diagnosis of latex allergy and identify the proteins to which the patient is allergic. When these tests are not enough to confirm the diagnosis, it may be necessary to carry out a provocation test with latex , in which the patient is exposed to materials containing latex, always in a hospital environment. How is a reaction to latex treated and prevented? All patients must have appropriate medicines for the treatment of an accidental allergic reaction , to be used in case of unwanted contact with latex. In cases of anaphylaxis after contact with latex, patients should always carry a self-injecting adrenaline device (adrenaline pen). In some patients, specific immunotherapy (anti-allergic vaccine) to latex is indicated. When the diagnosis of latex allergy is confirmed, measures must be taken to avoid contact with products containing it, as well as with the fruits with which the patient has a reaction. These preventive measures are particularly important when medical procedures in which products containing latex may be used are required. The medical team must be previously informed so that the procedures can be performed in a latex-free environment (information on products that may contain latex, alternatives and how to proceed to ensure a latex-free environment can be provided by an immunoallergologist). The authors of this text are the following allergologists from the Hospital da Luz network: Luís Miguel Borrego, Ana Morais Mendes, Ana Reis Ferreira, Andreia Ferrão, Carlos Braga, Cristina Lopes, Diana Pereira da Silva, Filipa Semedo, Isabel Costa Silva, João Gaspar Marques, Pedro Carreiro Martins, Marta Salgado, Nuno Sousa, Rosa Anita Fernandes, Susana Piedade The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
