In 1987, there was a movement throughout the world
to take precautions that would prevent the spread of infectious
diseases, especially the AIDS virus. This effort resulted in the
application of universal precautions for protecting a person from
infectious material using protective barriers. One such barrier
was the latex glove. It is estimated that since 1987, the annual
United States usage of latex gloves has been 10 billion. This
increase in the use of latex has resulted in a dramatic rise in
allergy to latex. Health care workers are at particular risk for
latex allergy and it is estimated that this allergy affects 2%
of all hospital employees. Latex is used in over 40,000 products.
What is latex and where is it found?
Latex is a natural product which comes from the light
milky fluid that is extracted from the rubber tree. This milky
fluid is often modified during the manufacturing process to form
a latex mixture. A person can be allergic to the latex or the
mixture or both. Latex-containing products are many and varied
(see the list below). One of two procedures is employed during
the manufacturing of the latex-containing product. One procedure
is "dipping," wherein a form is dipped into a vat of
latex and after drying, the latex product is washed and then peeled
from the form. If the latex product is not washed well, as is
the case with rushed production, more "free" latex is
present on the surface. This "free" latex is responsible
for a great deal of latex allergy. Dipped latex products include
gloves, balloons and condoms. A much less allergic latex product
is made by molding the latex. Products such as rubber stoppers
and erasers are manufactured using this process. The powder of
surgical gloves is a significant problem. Latex will easily stick
to powder that is commonly used in surgical gloves.
When the glove is placed on or taken off the hand
the glove is frequently "snapped." This snapping places
the powder, with latex sticking to it, into the air. Inhaled latex
can be a serious allergic problem.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time, and can be fatal. Causes of anaphylaxis can be food allergy, latex allergy, allergy to insect or but stings/bites, asthma, or other materials or conditions. Symptoms include flushing, itching, hives, anxiety, rapid or irregular pulse. Severe symptoms may be throat and tongue swelling, swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Some disorders appear similar to anaphylaxis such as fainting, panic attacks, blood clots in the lungs, heart attacks, and septic shock. If you think that you may be having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency care or call 911 immedately.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction and is
potentially life threatening.
Anaphylaxis is rare. The vast majority of people will
never have an anaphylactic reaction.
The most common causes of anaphylaxis include drugs,
such as penicillin, insect stings, foods, X-ray dye,
latex,
and exercise.
The symptoms of anaphylaxis may vary and can include hives,
tongue swelling, vomiting, and even shock.
If you are at risk, avoidance is the best form of
treatment.
If you have a history of serious allergic reaction, always have an epinephrine kit available; it could
save your life.
Introduction to anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis refers to a rapidly developing and serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different body systems at one time. Severe anaphylactic reactions can be fatal. Althoug...
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