National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Latex Allergy is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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National Institutes of Health
Latex Allergy
Latex is a milky fluid that comes from the tropical rubber tree. Hundreds of everyday products contain latex. Repeated exposure to a protein in natural latex can make you more likely to develop a latex allergy. If your immune system detects the protein, a reaction can start in minutes. You could get a rash, asthma and in rare cases shock from latex exposure.
Your doctor may use a physical exam and skin and blood tests to diagnose it. There are medicines to treat a reaction, but it is best to try to avoid latex. Common latex products include
- Gloves
- Condoms
- Balloons
- Rubber bands
- Shoe soles
- Pacifiers
You can find latex-free versions of these products.
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Start Here
- Latex Allergy(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in Spanish
- Latex Allergy: Tips to Remember(American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)
- Also available in Spanish
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Overviews
- Latex Allergy(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Latex Allergy(National Jewish Health)
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Diagnosis/Symptoms
- Allergy Blood Testing(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
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Prevention/Screening
- Latex Allergy: A Prevention Guide(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
- Latex List(Spina Bifida Association of America) - PDF
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Related Issues
- Anaphylaxis(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in Spanish
- Natural Rubber Latex Allergy in Spina Bifida(Spina Bifida Association of America)
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
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Directories
- Find an Allergist/Immunologist(American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)
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Organizations
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Law and Policy
- Latex Allergy OSHA Standards(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
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Patient Handouts
- Latex allergies - for hospital patients
- Also available in Spanish
- Managing latex allergies at home
- Also available in Spanish
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You may also be interested in these related encyclopedia pages:
MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA
