Latex-induced asthma in a dental assistant.
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.
Friesen
C D
CD
Allergy/Immunology Service, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045-5001, USA.
O'Connell
M
M
Schkade
P A
PA
Dyer
P D
PD
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*
D007840:Latex