The dangers of latex allergy in children
Latex allergy in children is on the rise, although that perception may be based more on awareness than on increased incidence of latex allergy. If,in case,you know your child has, or suspect your child has a latex allergy, it is important to educate yourself to know what this allergy is and how to manage latex allergy in children.
Latex allergy in children is an allergic reaction as a result of an allergy to a protein found in the liquid in the tropical rubber tree. This liquid is harvested and used in the production of rubber products. It is the protein that causes latex allergy in children, but true latex rubber products cannot be produced without the allergenic protein.
Products With Latex Found In their Manufacture
Many every-day products are made with latex rubber. Some products that contain latex rubber are:
1. Rubber nipples and pacifiers
2. Balloons
3. Toys made of rubber such as stretch toys and koosh balls—may include dog toys
4. Rubber or elastic bands (including elastic waist bands on clothing and underwear
6. Tape and adhesive bandages, band aids
7. Adhesives found on diapers and sanitary pads
8. Condoms and diaphragms
9. A few paints (latex-based and others)
10.Zippered sandwich bags
11. Rubber boots, shoes and clothing, including rain coats
Latex rubber is used to a great extent in medical and dental products, including:
1. IV tubing
2. Dental dams
3. Tourniquets
4. Breathing masks/resuscitation equipment
5. Wheelchair cushions and tires
6. Latex gloves
7. Elastic bandages (such as Ace bandages)
8. Urinary catheters
9. Grips and cushions on crutches
10. Stethoscopes
These items mentioned above are by no means exhaustive, but do include many of the most common latex-containing products that children may come into contact with. When in doubt, as a rule of thumb,suspect any product that is light brown and/or stretchy of containing latex.
What Increases The Likelihood Of A Latex Allergy In Children?
Latex allergy in children can occur in any child,infant or kid, but a few things may increase the likelihood of a latex allergy. Inb fact,the risk for latex allergy in children increases with exposure to latex-containing products.
Children with certain food allergies may also be allergic to latex because latex and some foods share similar proteins. It is also worth noting that children who are allergic to chestnuts, bananas, avocados, kiwi, tomato, figs, papaya, peaches, plums, and celery may also be allergic to the protein in latex.
Children who have certain medical conditions may be at increased risk of developing latex allergy due to increased exposure. Children who have had multiple surgeries and/or frequent medical treatment, children with genitourinary diseases, children with Spina Bifida,and children with internal latex medical devices (such as tubes and catheters) are at increased risk for latex allergy.
Recognizing The Symptoms Of Latex Allergy In Children?
Very often,latex allergy in children presents with symptoms that are quite similar to other allergies and reactions. For this reason, it is important to discuss reactions with your child's doctor to determine the cause of the reaction. Symptoms of latex allergy in children include:
1.Watery or itchy eyes
2.Sneezing or Runny nose
3.Skin rash at point of contact—may be red, swollen, or bumped
4.Hives
5.Difficulty breathing/wheezing
6.Tightness in chest
7.Itchy skin
8.Anaphylactic shoc
The Severity of Latex Allergy In Children?
As with all allergies, latex allergy in children can vary from mild to severe. Mild latex allergies in children may present skin discomfort,sinus or itchiness. Severe latex allergies in children can compromise breathing and cause swelling of the mouth and throat —children suffering from severe latex allergies need emergency treatment.
Be aware that latex allergy in children may start off as a mild reaction but may increase in severity with further exposure and subsequent incidences; it is very important to discuss the risk to your child with a doctor even if a latex allergy in a child seems minor.
How Can Latex Allergy Be Avoided?
Management of latex allergy in children requires avoidance of latex-based/containing products.
1. Children should avoid playing with toys that contain (or are suspected of containing) latex
2. Latex products should be replaced with latex-free products (medical equipment and supplies in particular—make sure medical professionals use latex-free gloves
3. Since latex proteins can be disbursed by powder in latex medical gloves, children with latex allergies should avoid areas where powdered gloves are used and changed frequently
4. For emergency use,pack latex-free gloves with your child
5.
Outfit your child with a medic-alert necklace or bracelet
6. Make sure all school staffs,care-providers, coaches, and teachers know about your child's latex allergy
Fortunately,there are alternative products for anything that contains latex. Plastic,silicone and vinyl are all safe alternatives for children with latex allergies. It is imperative that not only parents know about safe management of latex allergies in children, but all school and medical personnel as well. A concerted effort to avoid latex for children with latex allergies will ensure that an allergy does not progress to or cause a severe reaction that could become threatening for your child.
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