Latex Allergy - Environmental Emergencies

LATEX ALLERGY

Another allergy situation with which emergency nurses are deal-ing on a daily basis is latex allergy. The number of products that contain latex is staggering. Nurses must be aware of latex allergy (health care providers have died from anaphylaxis related to latex allergy) and the potential for patients to react to latex.

There is an increased awareness among manufacturers of the need for products that are latex free. Latex-free gloves are provided for nurses who have latex allergy or who have signs of allergy, such as itching, redness, or rash associated with use of a latex product. Severe anaphylaxis can occur even on first exposure; therefore, recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis is essential. Treatment must be rapid, and the latex product must be removed promptly.