[Latex allergy: from contact urticaria to asthma]

Latex, a natural plant material, has gained increasing interest over the last years because of its allergenic potency inducing problems in medical professions as well as in daily life. Since 1979 reports on allergic spontaneous reactions induced by latex products (such as gloves, condoms, balloons, cofferdam) have increased steadily. Symptoms manifest clinically as contact urticaria, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma or anaphylactic shock. Some of these patients may additionally have an alimentary allergy (avocado, banana, maron i.e.), possibly containing agents cross-reacting with latex. Pathophysiologically the allergy is IgE-mediated, because antigen-specific IgE antibodies have been found in vitro as well as in vivo. Health professionals, workers in gum manufacturing and individuals with spina bifida have been found to be at special risk for a latex allergy therefore, it is important that these persons at risk are recognized and occasionally tested prior to interventions or operations. Strict avoidance of the use of latex products is the primary preventive measure, which may occasionally be difficult, particularly in patients with respiratory diseases.