title: Latex allergy: a relevant issue in the general pediatric population.
abstract: Although latex allergy is a widely recognized problem of the pediatric myelomeningocele population and of frequent users of latex products, it is often overlooked in the general pediatric population. The prevalence of latex in common household items and in medical environments increases one's exposure and thus one's possibility of sensitization to latex. Latex allergy may range from mild local reactions such as erythema to more severe systemic reactions such as asthma or anaphylaxis. The immunoglobulin E-mediated mechanism of these reactions has been confirmed serologically by the presence of latex-specific immunoglobulin E with radioallergosorbent testing. Because avoidance of latex is currently the only way to prevent reactions, the identification of household items that contain latex is extremely important. However, because inadvertent exposure to latex is not uncommon, Medic-Alert bracelets and an Epi-Pen should be provided for children allergic to latex. Pediatric nurses should consider latex allergy as a possible diagnosis in situations of unexplained allergic or anaphylactic reactions and should be aware of optimal therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: University of California-Berkeley, USA.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: K T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006794:Household Articles; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D010988:Play and Playthings