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Latex allergy: a patient and health care system emergency
1Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine Section, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA. KKelly@mcw.edu
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|December 2, 1998
Abstract:
Latex allergy, an IgE-mediated reaction to proteins retained in finished natural rubber latex products, has become one of the most pervasive problems in medicine. Latex allergy has resulted in death, progressive asthma, severe food allergy from cross-reactivity, and disability of health care professionals with the accompanied loss of self-esteem and income from their inability to work in their chosen profession. This article reviews the risks of latex allergy and proposes strategies for prevention and management of the problem.