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As many as 6 % of Americans are
among health workers the figure jumps to nearly 20%*
The processed plant product used
in thousands of consumer and medical goods comes from a rubber
tree found in Africa and southeast Asia and is valued for its
strength, flexibility, tear resistance, elasticity and -- most
critically for gloves
What is a latex allergy?
Allergy to rubber latex is an increasingly serious
medical problem. Incidence of latex allergy is now about 25 % in
health care workers and 2-6% of our population due to the increased use of
latex to protect ourselves from HIV
infections and other diseases, this is according to the American College
of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology .
Latex sensitivity develops in
susceptible individuals (often those with another allergy or a
family history of allergies) after repeated exposure. Those
allergic to certain foods, especially avocado, potato, banana,
tomato, chestnuts, kiwi and papaya, may also be especially
The latest anthrax threats will
increase the population being exposed to latex because anthrax
spores can't pass through latex, says immunologist Robert
Hamilton, vice chair for the American Academy of Allergy,
Asthma and Immunology's latex allergy committee, "because
they are too big to penetrate the latex.**
Latex allergy can
be a significant problem because:
Almost everyone is exposed to latex.
Some people are allergic to latex and
don't know it.
The more an unsuspecting allergic
person is exposed to latex the more serious the reaction can become.
People who already have allergies are
more susceptible to additional allergies.
What are the symptoms
of latex allergy?
Low blood pressure
Symptoms can begin
within minutes after contact with the protein allergens in latex, usually
48-72 hours after the initial exposure. Individual with spina
bifida; multiple surgeries; allergy prone; health care workers or anyone
who comes into regular continuous contact with latex are at a higher risk
of developing an allergy to latex.
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How does the allergy
inhalation of the powder which lines latex gloves and become airborne
during glove removal. This powder contains latex protein (allergen)
and can remain suspended in the air for up to 12 hours!
exposure to such an environment can cause an asthma-like reaction where
the individual has difficulty in breathing, coughing spell, itchy throat,
chest pains, tiredness, sneezing, tearing, and runny nose. These
symptoms are common to many other disease and often are misdiagnosed.
Septodont now has local
anesthetic with latex free plungers-Patterson.
Alternatives to Latex
Nitrile provides the same microbe
protection without the side effects. And unlike latex,
nitrile does not break down when exposed to sweat or hand cream.
What should I do if I am allergic to
Be sure to inform your dentist about your latex allergy as part
of your complete medical history. This includes any drug
allergies. If you have been diagnosed with latex allergy, inform
your dentist before treatment and ask the office whether it has
latex-safe products available for use during a dental procedure
or surgery. Request that your appointment be scheduled as the
first procedure of the day before latex proteins can build up in
the air; this can lessen your exposure to latex allergens.
Take the following precautions:
|Carry an adrenaline kit (Ana-Kit or EpiPen)
to treat possible severe allergic reactions.
|Use a medic alert bracelet that clearly
states your allergy. You may also want to carry a letter of
explanation from your allergist.
|Carry a pair of latex-free gloves (gloves
made of nitrile or vinyl are alternatives to latex) in case
of an unscheduled emergency visit with a dentist.
|Avoid contact with latex products as much
as you can.
|Take steps to find out which products
around you contain latex.
|Find other products that you can use that
do not contain latex.
|If you are not aware that you have the
allergy (which many people are not) and you suffer symptoms
following a dental procedure or from contact with any latex
products, consult an allergist immediately and inform your
Latex Allergies Food
Latex allergies often trigger
food cross-reactions because certain plant products ; including bananas,
avocados, kiwis, plums, peaches, cherries, apricots, figs,
papayas, tomatoes, potatoes, and chestnuts — contain the same
allergy-producing proteins as NRL. Latex-sensitive individuals
should avoid the aforementioned fruits, vegetables, and
nuts, as well as genetically engineered fruits and vegetables
that contain the same DNA markers as latex.
Latex Allergy Dental Articles
Academy of General
Dentistry, AGD Impact, pg 23 January 2004
College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
**Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 19:36:49 -0000 Latex Allergies:
Taking Off the Gloves
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February 06, 2008
| Patient Education