Characteristics of natural rubber

Latex allergy: Latex allergy is an exaggerated reaction of our body, produced as a consequence of exposure to the protein of natural rubber latex.

Latex is a milky liquid obtained from the rubber tree, and is obtained by making incisions in the tree, by which this liquid is obtained. It is easy to process and today it is used to manufacture a large number of items for daily use or medical care, and due to this large number of products there are more people allergic to latex than a few decades ago.

Some of the characteristic symptoms of latex allergy can be:

• Itchy, watery or red eyes.

• Irritation in the nasal cavity.

• Redness and hives on the hands.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Dry cough or wheezing.

• Tightness or flushing in the chest.

• Tachycardia and dizziness.

Its symptoms are caused by contact with latex particles and are similar to food allergies, except for gastrointestinal symptoms.

Reactions may be: Mild (rash, hives, itching, tearing, red eyes, nasal irritation, cough, asthma) Severe (difficulty breathing, hypotension, chest tightness, tachycardia or dizziness, anaphylactic shock).

The severity of symptoms depends on the sensitivity of the body and the amount of latex allergen entering the body.

When elastic and thin-walled objects (gloves, balloons, condoms) come into contact with human mucous membranes (nose, eyes, vagina, rectum, oral cavity), wounds and internal organs, there is the highest risk of severe reactions.

Prevalence: The main reasons for the increase in latex allergies are:

• Better understanding and diagnosis of allergies.

• Large scale use of latex products.

• Decreasing quality of medical equipment to reduce prices and production times.