Latex Allergy

LATEX Allergy 

I am not a doctor but I have done my research, I am not allergic to latex, I have been cautious for many years because I am at high risk for developing a latex allergy due to my having more than 30 surgeries most related to a Spina Bifida diagnoses at birth and believe it or not due to a Kiwi allergy, keep reading.  

For those with a latex allergy, it can be a source of serious health issues, from itchy skin rashes to life-threatening reactions like Anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of allergic reaction include skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat and rapid heartbeat. 

Latex can be found in rubber gloves, and balloons, among other things. Knowing how to live latex-free if you have been diagnosed with a latex allergy is essential for staying safe and healthy. It is crucial to avoid direct contact with latex-containing products to prevent allergic reactions, it is important to consult with healthcare providers about safe practices and to educate yourself. If you are at high risk of developing an allergy to latex you may want to avoid latex products all together.

Although anyone can develop an allergic reaction to latex, there are certain groups of people that are at higher risk such as Healthcare workers, due to frequent glove use, this has changed in large part because of concerns from healthcare workers to their employers. Children with chronic medical conditions requiring multiple surgeries, again this has changed due to advocates expressing concerns to the healthcare systems. Workers in rubber manufacturing are more likely to develop latex allergies due to their frequent exposure to natural rubber latex products. Individuals with certain food allergies, especially to bananas, avocados, kiwis, and chestnuts, you read that right, I am allergic to kiwi therefore it is advantageous for me to be cautious.  

If you have been diagnosed with a latex allergy carry emergency medications (epinephrine auto-injector, EpiPen) and wear a medical ID. 

Living latex free requires a lot of planning and awareness, reading labels to create a latex-free home and communicate with healthcare providers, educate friends, family, and caregivers

Foods to Avoid with Latex Allergy

Foods that are structurally similar to latex proteins, referred to as latex-fruit syndrome

Bananas, Avocados, Kiwis, Chestnuts, Papayas, Tomatoes, Apples, Carrots, Celery, Melons, Potato (raw)

Thankfully there are ways to avoid latex, here is a list of latex products with alternatives.  For your own peace of mind research products and check with the manufacturers and go online and search comprehensive lists with alternative such as https://sbhac.ca/latex-allergies