Latex allergy and anaphylaxis--what to do?

Severe anaphylactic reactions and even deaths have occurred because of latex allergies. For the undiagnosed person, latex anaphylaxis has created a new medical emergency in the health care environment. Latex has been a common component in medical devices for many years, but latex reactions are relatively new to the medical community. In our study, two specific protocols were established to manage and treat or avoid latex allergies and anaphylaxis: one protocol for health care personnel and one for patient care. Increased knowledge of latex allergies is critical to physicians and health care personnel to help avoid these potentially catastrophic emergencies.