Many items contain latex
There are many places, including medical settings, where you can come
into contact with hundreds of products containing latex. Only products
used as medical supplies are required by law to be labeled as latex free
or containing latex.
Common items containing latex:
| Band-Aids
Bandages Balloons Baby bottle nipples Condoms |
Elastic in clothing
Elastic in diapers Erasers Hot water bottles "Koosh" balls Pacifiers |
Paints
Rubber bands Rubber gloves Rubber toys Rubber on shoes |
This is only a partial list of items containing latex. More extensive lists, with suggested substitute items, are available. A more detailed list may be found at the following website address: http://www.sbaa.org/html/sbaa_mlatex.html
Protect yourself from exposure
to latex
Remember to report the need for LATEX PRECAUTION in each and every
medical visit and in community places. You have the right to question the
latex content of any product used in each setting.
Wear some form of medical identification if you are allergic to latex and follow instructions given to you by your nurse or doctor at all times. This includes taking medication as prescribed.
Signs
and symptoms of an allergic reaction
A reaction to latex may be immediate or delayed for hours after contact
with an object. Sometimes it is hard to identify which object leads to
the reaction. The following reactions may be symptoms of a latex allergy.
It is very important to respond to these symptoms.
Skin: Rash, swelling, hives, itching, redness, and irritations
This reaction may be localized or cover large
areas of the body.
Eyes: Itchiness, tearing, watering, redness
Nose/throat: Runny nose, tightness and/or swelling of the throat, sneezing,
itchiness
Lungs: Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing
Heart: Chest pain, palpitations, drop in blood pressure, lightheadedness,
fast heart beat
Intestinal: Abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Seek medical help immediately if the patient has difficulty breathing, complains of chest pains, or seems in general distress.
There is a strong cross-reaction between some food allergies and latex allergy. Some foods include bananas, avocados, kiwi, potatoes, tomatoes, and chestnuts. Report all food allergies at every medical visit.
For more information regarding cross reactions to foods see information sheet "Latex and Food Allergies: The Protein Connection".
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