Reddy S
Salinas Valley Medical Group, Salinas, California, USA.
Am Fam Physician. 1998 Jan 1;57(1):93-102.
Natural latex from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis is an allergen in persons with significant cumulative latex exposure, such as those in the health care and rubber industries, as well as those undergoing repeated surgeries, especially if they undergo surgeries early in life. Symptoms of latex allergy may progress rapidly and unpredictably to anaphylaxis. The prevalence of latex allergy has increased as the use of rubber gloves in health care settings has increased. Airborne latex particles that adhere to the cornstarch used to powder gloves are a significant cause of respiratory symptoms and a source of sensitization. Once an individual has become sensitized, he or she may experience allergic symptoms when exposed to any product containing latex. Diagnosis is made initially by the history. Latex-specific IgE testing and skin prick testing may confirm the suspicion. The most effective strategy in the treatment of latex allergy is avoidance; however, there is a large group of sensitized people who have not been identified and who do not recognize that their symptoms are caused by latex allergy. Physicians caring for latex-sensitive persons must act as their advocates in building awareness of the problem and developing protocols for their safe care. Latex-sensitized persons should be educated about the latex content of common objects.
来自巴西橡胶树的天然乳胶会使有大量累积乳胶接触史的人产生过敏反应，比如医疗保健和橡胶行业的从业者，以及那些接受多次手术的人，尤其是在早年就接受手术的人。乳胶过敏症状可能会迅速且不可预测地发展为过敏反应。随着医疗保健环境中橡胶手套使用的增加，乳胶过敏的患病率也有所上升。附着在用于给手套上粉的玉米淀粉上的空气中的乳胶颗粒是呼吸道症状的重要原因和致敏源。一旦个体致敏，在接触任何含乳胶的产品时可能会出现过敏症状。最初通过病史进行诊断。乳胶特异性IgE检测和皮肤点刺试验可证实怀疑。治疗乳胶过敏最有效的策略是避免接触；然而，有一大群致敏者尚未被识别，并且他们没有意识到自己的症状是由乳胶过敏引起的。照顾乳胶敏感者的医生必须作为他们的支持者，提高对该问题的认识并制定安全护理方案。应该对乳胶致敏者进行常见物品乳胶含量方面的教育。
