Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Causes of latex allergy: repeated exposure, glove use, surgeries, atopy, cross-reacting foods and other latex reactions.
Latex allergy develops when the immune system becomes sensitised to proteins in natural rubber latex.
How sensitisation happens
After sensitisation, later contact can trigger a reaction, sometimes within minutes.
Risk factors
Cross-reactions with foods
Some people with latex allergy also react to foods with similar proteins, such as banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut, and sometimes papaya, mango, tomato and potato. This is called latex-fruit syndrome.
Other kinds of reaction
Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda would see allergic reactions as an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha in a sensitive person. This is a traditional framework.
Key point
Repeated exposure, especially in healthcare or after many surgeries, is the main driver of latex allergy.
Before your appointment
Note which items or procedures caused symptoms, how soon symptoms began, and how long they lasted. List any reactions to bananas, avocado, kiwi, chestnut or other foods. Mention your job, past surgeries, catheters, asthma, eczema and other allergies. List medicines, supplements and herbal products, and bring any allergy card or adrenaline injector. Ask about allergy testing, latex-free products and an emergency action plan. Tell your doctor and dentist about the allergy before any procedure. Call 112 for swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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