Latex Allergy

Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta

Food and Nutrition Services

Presented by Cindi Rafoth, RD

Created by Gena Alltizer

What is latex?

Latex is a natural product that is used to form

rubber. It can also be made synthetically.

Latex allergy is not caused by the natural

rubber itself, but from the protein prohevein

found in the rubber.

Latex products

Latex can be found in gloves, catheters, rubber

bands, balloons, and baby bottle nipples.

The use of powdered latex gloves can cause

the protein prohevein to become airborne,

and consequentially cause a reaction in

patients with latex sensitivity.

Latex Allergies

There are two main types of latex allergy

IgE mediated allergic reactions

Cell mediated contact dermatitis

IgE Mediated Allergic Reactions

Can be life threatening, and are of the most concern to clinicians.

Mode of transmission: direct skin contact,

mucosal surface contact, or inhalation.

Anaphylaxis as well as any of these symptoms may occur: hives, itching, flushing, swelling,

sneezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, and dizziness.

Cell Mediated Contact Dermatitis

Not life threatening.

Skin irritation and rash are evident at the

site of exposure to the latex product.

Latex Diet Syndrome

About 40% of individuals with latex allergy also exhibit a food allergy. This is known as Latex

Diet Syndrome, or Latex Fruit Syndrome.

Many foods have proteins in common with latex

that cause a reaction.

Most Common Foods

Foods that most commonly cause a reaction in patients with a latex allergy are:

Avocado

Banana

Kiwi

Chestnuts

Most Common Foods

Tree Nuts Bell Peppers Carrots

Dill Figs Grapes

Mangoes Oregano Passion Fruit

Pineapple Sage Tomatoes

Sunflower Seeds Apricots Potatoes

Apples Celery Papaya

Melons Strawberries Zucchini

Chickpeas Soybeans Rye

Foods that also may cause an allergic reaction are:

Tree Nuts

Examples of Tree Nuts:

Coconut Walnuts Almonds

Macadamia Nuts

Cashews Hazelnuts

Pecans Pistachios Pine Nuts

Cross Reactivity

Pollens in the air have proteins that may cause cross reactivity when patients consume:

Mugwort with Carrot, Celery, Apple, Peanut, & Kiwi

Birch with Apple, Pear, Peach, Cherry, & Hazelnut

Grasses (Wheat, Rice, Barley) with Potato

Ragweed with Banana, & Melons

Interviewing the patient

When a patient indicates they have a latex allergy, further questioning to determine if they have also

experienced any related food allergies is necessary.

Type and severity of reaction should also be

determined.

Questions?

Quiz Question # 1

True or False:

A patient with an IgE mediated allergy will

not have an allergic reaction as long as

you do not touch them with a latex

product.

Quiz Question # 2

What is the name of the syndrome that describes patients with a latex allergy who also react to certain foods containing the

same proteins?

Quiz Question # 3

Which of the following nuts is not considered a tree nut?

(a) Pecans

(b) Peanuts

(c) Walnuts

(d) Coconut

(e) Both b. and d.

(f) All of the above are tree nuts

Quiz Question # 4

List the four most common foods that may cause an allergic reaction in

patients with latex allergy.

Quiz Question # 5

Which menu selection could cause an allergic reaction in a patient with latex allergy?

(a) Scrambled eggs, and wheat toast with butter.

(b) Harvest Salad-mixed greens, avocado, & pecans.

(c) Macaroni and cheese, with baked sweet potato.

(d) Turkey sandwich on sourdough, lettuce only.

(e) Hummus with pita chips.

(f) Both b. and e.

Quiz Question # 6

True or False:

A patient with a latex allergy will

absolutely not have a reaction from

eating coconut rice.

References

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Manual. Latex Allergy. Retrieved Oct. 30, 2014

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (2014).

Latex allergy: Tips to remember. Web. Retrieved Oct. 30, 2014