Managing Latex and Adhesive Allergies Before Surgery

This month, I'm going in for an arthroscopic knee procedure. I've had a few day surgeries and outpatient procedures and I always bring up allergies and asthma early on. As in, "I have asthma, keep an eye on my breathing during the procedure please" and, "I have food allergies, so here's the list, just in case, that's related to any medication you're giving me, thank you."

During the surgical consult for my knee, I said, "I have allergies and asthma." We were talking about the anesthesia process, which will be an epidural with some meds to keep me relaxed. The surgeon piped up, "Ok. We definitely don't want to give you too much medication then." Ah good, I thought, he's listening. Then I had a talk with the Physician's Assistant who asked about my allergies. I gave him a list of foods and remembered aloud that I became itchy and blistery the last time I had hospital-grade adhesive on a surgical site. He wrote this on my chart in big bold letters and said, "Thank you, this is important for us to know."

Latex Allergies
I've written about latex allergies before but only in relation to clothing. Latex allergy is very real and can be quite dangerous.

How many Americans are affected? From the American Latex Allergy Association:
• 8-17% of health care workers
• Up to 68% of children with spina bifida (related to frequent surgeries - anyone who has multiple surgeries is at risk)
• Less than 1% of the general population in the U.S. (about 3 million people)
What are the kinds of possible reactions?

Also from the American Latex Allergy Association:

Latex Allergy Definition
Type I (immediate-type) hypersensitivity
Natural Rubber Latex Allergy (NRL) is an IgE-mediated, immediate type hypersensitivity reaction to one or more proteins in natural rubber latex (Hevea brasiliensis). Histamine is release causing symptoms. This reaction is systemic.

Type IV (delayed-type) hypersensitivity is a T cell-mediated, delayed response, and typically occurs 48 to 96 hours after exposure. This is frequently a reaction to the processing chemicals used in manufacturing natural rubber latex (NRL). This reaction is generally localized to the area of contact. This reaction is also referred to as allergic contact dermatitis, T-cell-mediated allergy, or chemical allergy.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis is a non-allergic reaction. Symptoms typically are dry, irritated, and/or fissured lesions.

Food allergies and latex:
If you have food allergies you may be sensitized to latex. From the American Latex Allergy Association:
"Listed below are the allergens reported to be associated (clinically or immunochemically) with natural rubber latex: Banana, Avocado, Chestnut, Kiwi, Apple,
Carrot, Celery, Papaya, Potato, Tomato, Melons. Significant levels of allergenic cross-reactivity have been demonstrated for the allergen groups listed below: Mugwort with Carrot, Celery, Apple, Peanut and Kiwi; Birch with Apple, Pear, Peach, Cherry and Hazelnut; Grasses with Potato; and Ragweed with Banana and Melons." (Please talk with your healthcare professional for a proper and through allergy diagnosis.)