Latex hypersensitivity in children

Abstract

Latex is a natural substance used in the manufacture of thousands of products. Although latex allergy is uncommon in the general population, health care workers and children with spina bifida appear to be at high risk for latex allergy. These patients may experience urticaria, rhinoconjunctivitis, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis following contact with or inhalation of latex antigens. Several protein allergens in latex have been identified, some of which appear to cross-react clinically and immunochemically with fruit antigens. Good diagnostic tests are available for latex allergy, but strict avoidance is still the only available treatment.