Complications of allergies to latex urinary catheters

Latex products are widely used both in our homes and in hospitals. Latex allergy is an increasingly worrying problem for health professionals, not least allergy to latex urinary catheters. The pathophysiology of latex allergy is discussed with reference to catheter allergy. Other known problems of latex catheters are also highlighted, including toxicity leading to urethritis and stricture formation, and encrustation. Nurses need to be aware of the increasing incidence of latex allergy and the importance of screening patients specifically for this risk factor.