Nov

10

Latex Allergy Symptoms

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latex allergyLatex allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms are often just minor irritants and maybe so small that a person may not even realize that they have latex allergies. Severe symptoms however should not be taken light and can be a major health risk, even leading to death.

Latex is found in both natural and synthetic forms. The sap from natural forms contains proteins that are generally responsible for latex allergies but chemicals used is the manufacturing process can often trigger allergic reactions from synthetic latex. Often the most hypoallergenic latex is a combination of the two. Semi-synthetic latex can be made from guayule shrub which does not contain high amounts of the protein responsible for causing the allergic reaction. High risk groups include children with spina bifida and those who are exposed to latex often like medical personnel or those involved in manufacturing latex.

Minor Latex Allergy Symptoms

While most minor symptoms are not life threatening, anyone experiencing them should still seek medical treatment for a diagnosis.

  • Red itchy skin, tiny blisters
  • Flaking or contact dermatitis
  • Water eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose

Major Latex Allergy Symptoms

Anyone having major latex allergy symptoms should seek help immediately. Major symptoms should not be taken lightly as they can lead to anaphylatic shock and death.

  • Vomiting
  • Tightness in chest, difficulty breathing
  • Change in pulse rate, rapid or weak
  • Mental confusion
  • Loss of consciousness

Diagnosis for latex allergies is generally done with a blood test. If you are diagnosed with a minor latex allergy avoidance or finding hypoallergenic substitutes is the best course of action. People with severe reactions should wear a medic alert product because latex is so commonly used by ER and in medical settings.