Occupational asthma due to latex surgical gloves

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Occupational Health
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Contact urticaria from natural latex has been reported since 1979.
• Emerging evidence suggests potential links between rubber exposure and respiratory conditions like rhinitis and asthma.

Observation:

• An operating room nurse developed allergic symptoms after 25 years of occupational exposure to natural rubber latex surgical gloves.
• Symptoms included contact urticaria, rhinoconjunctivitis, and acute asthma, which resolved during vacation periods.

Findings:

• Skin prick testing and rub testing confirmed latex allergy.
• Elevated specific IgE antibodies to latex were detected.
• Bronchial challenge testing revealed an immediate asthmatic response to latex, preventable with cromolyn sodium.

Implications:

• Natural latex in surgical gloves can act as an inhalant allergen, leading to occupational asthma.
• The mechanism appears to be IgE-mediated, highlighting risks for healthcare professionals.
• Further research into latex-induced occupational respiratory diseases is warranted.