Some children are allergic to latex. This means that they are sensitive to this rubber.  There is a reaction when a material made with this product comes into contact with the child’s skin, mucous membrane in the mouth, genitals ,bladder, rectum or blood stream (during surgery ). Some children even get a reaction when they blow up a balloon or inhale the powder inside latex glove.

What are the symptoms of latex allergy ?

A child with latex allergy may experience the following reaction when he comes into contact with latex products.

• wheezing
• hives
• watery or itchy eyes
• swelling of the skin
• itching of the skin
• flushing of the skin or skin rash

In some cases, severe reaction known as anaphylaxis  may occur.  This may  cause the child to have

• difficulty breathing
• chest tightness
• swelling of the throat or tongue

This is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care.

Who is at risk of latex allergy ?

Some children are at high risk to latex sensitivity. Thes include children who have had frequent exposure to latex product through  medical procedures. They include children

• with spina bifida
• born with abnormalities of the urinary tract
• who have had too  many surgeries

Some children with certain food allergies are also at risk of latex allergies. These foods contain some of the same proteins as latex . Some commonly eaten foods that contain some of the proteins as latex include the following :

• banana
• avocado
• papaya
• kiwi
• passion fruit
• chestnut
• tomato
• plums
• peaches
• nectarines
• celery

How do i protect my child who is allergic to latex ?

Many items in the home, community and hospital are latex products. These include but at not limited to the following :

HOSPITAL

• catheters
• surgical and cleaning  gloves
• stethoscopes
• blood pressure cuffs
• IV tubing injection sites
• electrode pads
• adhesive tapes

HOME AND COMMUNITY

• pacifiers, bottle nipples , eye dropper bulb
• condoms, diaphragm
• dental products such as mouth guards
• disposable diapers
• art supplies
• beach toys
• rubber bands, bandaids , erasers, handgrips on bicycles
• rubber clothing such as rain coat
• sport shoes
• wheelchair tires

Any item that is light brown and can stretch may contain latex. You have to know that there are other items that can be used in place of latex.  These are made of  vinyl, plastic or silicone.

It is important to notify your child’s caregiver if

• your child has ever reacted to  any latex products
• you think your child has latex allergy
• your child had an unexplained reaction during surgery

These caregivers include the following :

• dentist
• occupational/ physical  therapist
• physician or nurse
• daycare provider
• teacher
• baby sitter
• family
• friends

Some hospitals are developing policies to create a latex free environment to greatly reduce a child’s exposure to latex. Contact your hospital for more information.

Do the following if your child is allergic to latex

• use a medic-alert bracelet
• avoid all latex product at home and in the hospital
• alert the surgical team during a pre operative visit
• teach the child to avoid latex product
• carry a pair of non latex free gloves, information about latex allergies and a note from the child’s physician
• ask your child’s doctor to evaluate her  for pre-medication before surgery to help prevent a reaction
• you have to ensure that hospitals  and school record have a latex allergy alert
• ask your child’s doctor about the use of injectable epinephrine for your child in an event of an emergency.  You need to have it around your child all the time
• learn what to do in case of an emergency