List of products containing latex
Anyone with an allergy to latex will tell you that it is not to be taken lightly.
Symtpoms of latex allergies include itchy skin, shortness of breath, or even a fatal bout of anaphylaxis – where the individual having the allergic reaction is unable to breathe due to a swelling in the throat and experiences shortness of breath.
How will you know if you are allergic to latex? If you experience any of these symptoms when coming in contact with products containing latex, then you may have an allergy. But, consult with your doctor to know, for certain.
- Mild to severe itchiness
- Redness of the skin
- Appearance of hives or rashes
- Frequent sneezing
- Cough
- Running nose
- Difficulty in breathing
- Water filled eyes or itchiness in the eyes
Patients having an extremely severe reaction can even lose consciousness, experience dizziness, or have a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Regulations on Latex Products
Because reactions to latex can be fatal, regulators in the United States introduced new laws for medical device companies to label products containing NRL or natural rubber latex, to mention the presence of the substance clearly.
The trouble is, that many patients don’t know that they are in fact allergic to latex. Or what they’re experiencing is a result of latex.
Allergies come from reactions to certain proteins. It is believed by medical professionals that those who are allergic to foods like bananas, chestnuts, and avocados would more likely be allergic to latex.
Which products contain latex?
There are more than 40,000 products that contain latex. So to have a full list of products containing latex is a daunting task.
In the scenario of a hospital, nursing home, doctor’s office, urgent care unit, etc. the following medical products are known to contain latex:
- Medical gloves used in surgery and examinations
- Tubes of many varieties such as catheters
- Stethoscopes
- The grips of crutches and tips of crutches are latex
- Wheelchair tires
- Vials of medicine
- Tourniquets
- PPE items that contain latex include goggles, masks, and respirators
- Certain dressings
- Deep breathing exercisers
- Nasogastric tubes
- Bouffant caps
- Shoe protectors
- Needle counting systems
- Rubber breathing circuits
- Ventilation bellows
- Exercise bands and balls
- Rubber aprons
The above is just a sampling, be sure to check with your doctor. Also, check your products for the langage that states “not made with natural rubber latex.” Even if an item is not made with latex, chances are it may be in contact with similar items during the production process.
If you happen to be allergic to latex, definitely be careful when around the above mentioned products.
