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Sunday, January 28, 2007

What is latex allergy?

A latex allergy is a hypersensitivity to latex, which is a natural substance derived from the milky sap of the rubber tree. Like any type of allergy, latex allergies arise when the immune system, which normally guards the body against foreign invaders (such as bacteria, viruses and toxins), reacts to an otherwise harmless substance, called an allergen.

In the case of latex allergies, a person can have a reaction to the chemical additives used in manufacturing the latex products or to proteins in the latex itself. When the immune system detects the allergen, the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced, triggering the release of chemicals within the body. One such chemical is the inflammatory agent called histamine. Histamine is partly responsible for the redness, itching and swelling of an allergic reaction, and it produces such symptoms as hives, rashes, a runny nose, and watery, swollen eyes. More seriously, it can lead to breathing difficulties and a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that can include a sudden drop in blood pressure, an increase in pulse, and tissue swelling.

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