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Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 2 Nov 2004 22:21:42 EST
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Kate-I'm glad you asked because latex allergies in now seen in about 2-9% of
the general population and about 12-15% of health care professionals. There is
about 3 deaths/year  from latex but that is probably under estimated because
deaths in opeating rooms usually are attributed to anesthesia problems but
latex can result in the same type of death.  If you can avoid exposures now, do
it.  I had the bisters (like posion ivy-water filled that burst and really
burn) at first and then when I worked at the hospital I started having respiratory
symptoms.  We used nitryl gloves in the milk bank because of my allergy but I
didn't realize how much I was being exposed on the floors.  I had my first
severe reaction to a ResuciAnnie CPR doll.  I usually took Benedryl and was ok.
After my accident in 2002, and after 78 sessions of PT in a PT facility that
used Therabands ( I knew not to be around those while in use and the PT would
schedule me when no one needed those but the particles were in the AC system,
on the furniture etc), a PT used a band in another room and walked by me. I
went into respiratory distress and ended up in the ER.  The PT facility
attempted to clean up the facility but when I went back I went into respiratory
distress again. So I had to stop PT until I found one that was moving into a new
building and agreed to become latex free.  I go into anaphylaxis when I eat food
handled with latex gloves so I have to call every food processor now.  I found
a grocery store that cuts their own meat and they do not use gloves but
everything my husband buys, he scrubs with a brush under running water.  I  rarely
eat out. I am fortunate that the Public health director is working with me to
education food handlers in my county.  I cannot go into a flower shop, gift
shop grocery or anyplace where latex ballons are blown up.  I get reactions from
touching door handles where housekeepers use latex gloves. My MDs all have
changed to latex free offices.  I haven't found a dentist that is safe so I
don't know if I will ever be able to see a dentist again. The last two reactions
were both from foods that had been prepared offsite of the restaurant. Both of
these I had multi organ involvements as a reaction of the anaphylaxis. My
allergist said those times I had 2 second chances at life. I have to carry and
use EpiPens each time. My children have to know how to use them and call 911. I
had to make arrangements with the EMS and also the ER not to expose me
further. EMS has to put on disposable overalls, and wet wipe down the inside of the
ambulance. The ER has to take me directly into a closed respiration room.
Personnel has to use clean gowns over their clothes and wear bonnets if they have
used latex gloves prior to seeing me. I am almost housebound because I never
know where I may get exposed. I will never be able to work in the profession
that I love so much.
If you work in a clinic setting where latex gloves are in use,  there are now
recommendations from professional groups  to work to a latex free environment
as soon as possible.  If you have reactions, begin to document the time,
date, location of use, and manufacturer of the glove each time. Write up an
incident report every time, copy for yourself and give to your supervisor.  Notify
employee health. Testing is vey inaccurate so don't rely on that to be safe if
your test comes back negative. It will be negative for 3 months after an
exposure triggers an allergic reaction. Let your facility know that it is less
expensive to buy latex free supplies and alternative gloves, then to have 15 % of
their employees file workman comp claims and go out on disability. Report to
their supervisors any housekeepers, patient transport services etc thatyou see
wearing gloves from room to room ( not only transmitting latex but also
germs).  Report each incidence exposure to the FDA MedWatch.
Protect the babies you work with. Never put a latex glove in a babies
mouth.Make sure the photographer and the hearing screening tech do not use a gloved
finger for babies to suck on to calm. Use nitryl gloves and educate parents to
never use latex bottle nipples or pacifiers.Educate child care centers to not
use latex gloves to change diapers or feed babies. If you see latex gloves
being used in restaurants, talk to management and tell them they have a very
dangerous environment.
There are no desensization shots for latex, only avoidance. My allergist said
the FDA has approved IGA injections for asthma and they seem to be doing ok
so application has been made to do trials of those for latex allergic
individuals. He said it takes about 3-5 years for the FDA to approve trials but when
they do, he will be the first to apply for me, if I live that long.
Barbara Whitehead, BS, IBCLC, RLC
eastern NC

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