Do I Have Latex Allergy?

Have you been in contact recently with latex-containing products (medical disposable gloves, condoms and diaphragms, balloons, rubber bands and balls, rubber household gloves)?

Have you experienced any symptoms within 48 hours of contact with latex-containing products?

Do you have a skin rash or hives?

Have you wear latex gloves and get a skin rash in the areas covered by the gloves (glove dermatitis)?

Do you have itching or swelling on your skin, mucous membranes or tongue (itchy or swollen lips after blowing up a balloon, swelling or itching of the mouth or tongue after a dentist uses latex gloves, itching or swelling after using a condom or diaphragm)?

Do you have eye tearing and irritation?

Do you sneeze?

Do you have runny or stuffy nose?

Do you cough, or have wheezing, tightness in your chest, or shortness of breath?

Do you have dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a latex allergy. Natural rubber latex is the product made from the rubber tree that grows in Southeast Asia and Africa. Latex allergy is a specific reaction of your body to certain proteins that can be found in natural rubber latex. Natural rubber latex is not the same as synthetic rubber, so, it must be emphasized that products containing synthetic rubber cannot trigger an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to latex. Latex is a common part of many consumer products such as condoms, balloons, athletic shoes, rubber toys, tools, handbags or baby bottles.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a latex allergy. Latex allergy is a reaction of your immune system to natural rubber latex. For some reason, your immune system identifies certain proteins contained in natural rubber latex as damaging substances. Your body releases histamine into the bloodstream to fight it off, causing a variety of allergy symptoms. Latex allergy can occur in direct contact with latex, such as touching a product containing latex (latex gloves, condoms and balloons) or inhaling latex airborne particles (usually from latex gloves). An allergist can make a diagnosis based on a skin test and allergy blood tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a latex allergy. Latex is also known as a natural rubber that is made from the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree. People with a latex allergy may experience a variety of symptoms that includes hives, itching, swelling, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. There is no specific cure for latex allergy, so people who are allergic to latex must avoid it. Work with your allergist to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. Your allergist may prescribe you medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, or may suggest wearing a bracelet that alerts people about your allergy.