Nuevas medidas de diagnóstico eficiente en la hipersensibilidad alérgica al látex

Latex allergy is an altered response of the body on contact with proteins found in natural rubber latex. The symptoms of allergic hypersensitivity to latex are quite similar to those of food allergy, with the gastrointestinal symptoms being less frequent and the cutaneous ones being more typical after the use of latex and nasal gloves and / or the asthma after the inhalation of the dust from latex gloves or balloons.

In the case of very sensitive patients it can cause severe allergic reactions if it comes in contact with mucous membranes or internal cavities. There is a paradox that the hospital environment is the most risky place, given the existing amount of latex in direct and indirect use.

People who are allergic to latex often have cross-allergic reactions, sometimes severe, after eating certain fruits and vegetables. The cross-reactions are due to the common allergens present in latex and in different foods.

It is important to use molecular allergen analysis to detect false latex diagnoses due to problems of cross-reactivity with fruit proteins. It is indicated how these new tests have replaced less accurate and efficient analyses, achieving a considerable saving of resources.