title: Latex-induced asthma in a dental assistant.
abstract: In this case report, latex-induced asthma is described in a dental assistant with an associated history of contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, and rhinitis. She switched to vinyl gloves, which eliminated her cutaneous symptoms, but her respiratory symptoms continued. Skin-testing to latex was strongly positive. Methacholine challenge and peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) were abnormal during the workweek but normalized after a two-week vacation. Nebulized latex was implicated in the development of occupational asthma, and personal latex-avoidance measures did not prevent the condition.
authors.affiliation: Allergy/Immunology Service, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045-5001, USA.
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Friesen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Connell
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Schkade
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Dyer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003726:Dental Assistants; D005260:Female; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D007840:Latex