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Laxtex Allergies FAQ's
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| Q: |
WHAT IS LATEX ALLERGY? |
| A:
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Latex
allergy is an immunologic reaction to natural rubber latex found in most
latex gloves and many other medical products.
This type of reaction can be a serious health risk, particularly
for patients and health care workers. There have even been cases where
latex allergies have resulted in death. Thousands of cases of allergic
or anaphylactic reactions to latex-containing medical products have been
reported to the FDA.
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| Q: |
WHO IS AT RISK? |
| A:
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- Patients with a history of early and/or recurrent surgical
or medical procedures, such as children with spina bifida.
- Health care personnel and others who wear latex gloves.
- Individuals with occupational exposure, such as workers
involved in the manufacture of latex gloves.
Other risks factors are less defined but appear to include:
- A history of hay fever or other allergic problems.
- A history of food allergies to tropical fruits, hazelnuts,
chestnuts or stone fruits, particularly if progressive in scope or severity.
- Hand dermatitis that is severe or has changed in severity
in an individual who wears latex gloves.
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| Q: |
WHAT
ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF LATEX ALLERGY ? |
| A:
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- Prior allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, hives,
rhinitis, swelling, eye irritation or asthmatic symptoms) after contact
with balloons or rubber gloves, or after dental or pelvic examinations.
- Prior, unexplained allergic or anaphylactic reaction
during a medical procedure.
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| Q: |
HOW DO I AVOID LATEX EXPOSURE
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| A:
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- All products and medical devices in contact with individuals
at risk should be reviewed for possible latex content. A label of "hypoallergenic"
does not mean that a product is latex-free.
- Health care workers with known latex allergy must stop
using latex gloves and use synthetic latex or non-latex substitutes.
Their co-workers must not use powdered latex gloves. Care should be
exercised in the choice of substitutes, since all synthetic or non-latex
products are not equally impermeable to blood-borne pathogens.
- In general, only low allergen, preferably non-powdered
latex gloves should be used. The powders that are used in some latex
gloves can absorb latex proteins and carry them into the air in measurable
quantities.
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