[Asthma by proxy (to latex of a condom). General review based on an observation]

The AIDS progress in the world has led to a considerable increase in the request of medical gloves but also of condoms. At the same time latex hypersensitivity has a growing effect upon our allergology consultations; although the contact dermatitis and urticaria to condoms are frequent, asthma remains very rare. We report one case of condom nocturnal asthma in a patient also presenting a food allergy to sunflower with cross-reactivity to umbelliferae. The different steps of a latex allergy diagnosis are criticized, the populations at risk are mentioned. Nowadays, no standardized allergen exist, therefore we must put the stress on the prevention. Latex hypersensitivity raises an emergency public health issue.