Among the many conditions related to latex allergies are:

• Asthma. Individuals with latex allergies may develop asthma following continued exposure to the allergen.
  
  
• Contact dermatitis. Any inflammation that occurs on the skin’s surface after coming into contact with a substance originating outside of the body. Contact dermatitis is the most common source of work-related diseases. There are two types of contact dermatitis:
  
• • Allergic contact dermatitis. Caused by an allergic reaction. Additives used in latex processing can trigger allergic contact dermatitis.
    

    

  • Irritant contact dermatitis. A nonallergic reaction caused by a chemical or substance that is naturally irritating to the human skin. Repeated skin contact with latex – such as wearing latex-based surgical or examination gloves – can trigger irritant contact dermatitis.
    
    
• Food allergies. An adverse response by a person’s immune system to a food or food component. After a sensitive person ingests a problem food, the immune system reacts with the release of histamines and other hormones that trigger symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening (anaphylactic shock). Many food allergies share the same allergens as latex allergies, a condition known as cross-reactivity. The most common triggers of cross-reactivity in people with latex allergies are bananas, chestnuts, avocados and kiwis. Patients experiencing allergy symptoms (e.g., hives, shortness of breath, itching around the mouth) after consuming a food should avoid that particular food in the future.  
  
  
• Allergic rhinitis. Commonly called hay fever, allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the nose that occurs when an allergic individual encounters an airborne allergen such as pollen, mold, dust mites or animal dander. Usually inhaled, these triggers generate allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sore throat and itchy and runny eyes. Oftentimes, the symptoms of latex allergy mimic those of allergic rhinitis.
  

  

• Spina bifida. Birth defect in which part of one or more vertebrae fails to fully develop. This leaves part of the spinal cord unprotected. Children with spina bifida are much more susceptible to latex allergies than their peers because they are frequently exposed to latex-based medical gloves and equipment. Nearly 50 percent of children with spina bifida are likely to react to latex, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
  
  
• Poinsettia allergies. Poinsettia plants – the popular holiday season decoration – are part of the same plant family as the Brazilian rubber tree that produces latex. So those with latex allergies may have a similar reaction when exposed to this plant. Ficus benjamina, tobacco plants and Hevea brasiliensis may also trigger a reaction.