How Is a Latex Allergy Diagnosed and Managed?
Latex allergy is diagnosed through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and specific allergy testing. A detailed history of reactions to latex-containing products, such as gloves, balloons, or medical equipment, helps identify potential allergies. Skin prick testing or serum-specific IgE testing can confirm the diagnosis by detecting antibodies to latex proteins. In some cases, a supervised challenge test may be conducted to observe the reaction to controlled exposure.
Management of latex allergy primarily involves avoidance of latex-containing products. This includes using non-latex gloves and medical supplies, and avoiding latex balloons and certain types of condoms. Patients should inform healthcare providers and workplaces about their allergy to ensure that latex-free alternatives are used. In case of accidental exposure, antihistamines and corticosteroids can help manage mild reactions, while severe reactions like anaphylaxis require immediate treatment with epinephrine.
