Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of latex allergy. Family history What is the general health of your family members? Are there any diseases in your family that are common? Social history What is your profession? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). What symptoms have you noticed? … Latex Allergy: Medical History
Respiratory System (J00-J99) Rhinosinusitis – inflammation of the nose and sinuses, nonallergic. Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Drug exanthema Atopic eczema (neurodermatitis) Desiccation eczema (dehydration eczema) – skin changes caused by a lack of fluid in the skin. Irritant eczema Nummular eczema (synonyms: bacterial eczematoid, dermatitis nummularis, dysregulatory-microbial eczema, microbial eczema) – unclear disease resulting in … Latex Allergy: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by latex allergy: Respiratory system (J00-J99) Bronchial asthma (allergic bronchial asthma). Chronic sinusitis (sinusitis). Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99) Chronification of eczema Superinfection, i.e. here overgrowth with bacteria, fungi, etc. Injuries, poisoning and other consequences of external causes (S00-T98). Anaphylactic reaction
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing) of the skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Health check
Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Allergy diagnostics – Various allergy tests can be performed to determine whether hay fever is present: Prick test (skin test): in this test, the allergens in question are applied in droplet form to the forearms. A thin needle is then used to slightly nick the … Latex Allergy: Test and Diagnosis
Therapy target Improvement of symptomatology. Therapy recommendations Avoid contact with the triggering allergens (exposure prophylaxis as far as possible). Acute and chronic therapy of latex allergy: antihistamines, cromoglicic acid (for prophylactic therapy); glucocorticoids if necessary. Local therapy in allergic contact dermatitis: glucocorticoids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, coal tar. Systemic therapy: glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, retinoids. Anaphylaxis (most severe … Latex Allergy: Drug Therapy
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Nasal endoscopy (nasal endoscopy; nasal cavity endoscopy) possibly with biopsy (tissue sampling). Sonography (ultrasound examination) of the paranasal sinuses – if sinusitis (sinusitis) is suspected. Computed tomography (sectional imaging … Latex Allergy: Diagnostic Tests
To prevent latex allergy, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Natural latex is contained in, among others: Medical devices and supplies (e.g., respiratory masks, ECG accessories, gloves, adhesive bandages, compression bandages/stockings, condoms, plasters). Anti-slip socks Breathing and carnival masks Baby bottles, baby teats / pacifiers Canning jelly Finger cots Rubber cuff Rubber … Latex Allergy: Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate a latex allergy: Asthmatic complaints Runny nose (running nose; watery secretion). Contact urticaria – hives that occur after direct contact with the latex. Contact eczema in the type IV reaction. Allergy to natural latex can cause a cross-reaction (cross-allergy) with foods and plants: Food Avocado Banana Buckwheat Kiwi … Latex Allergy: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Latex allergy is triggered by natural latex. It is either an immediate-type allergy (type I) to various water-soluble proteins in natural latex or a type IV contact allergy to additives in latex products. The allergy of the immediate type (synonyms: Type I allergy, Type I allergy, Type I immune reaction, immediate … Latex Allergy: Causes
General measures Avoid contact with the triggering allergens! Allergy card always carry with you Measures to be taken in case of latex allergy Always inform the attending physicians about the latex allergy Nutritional medicine Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This … Latex Allergy: Therapy
