There is a wide variety of allergies that affect many different age groups. For instance, children are sometimes allergic to latex or natural rubber products. This allergy occurs when items containing latex touch the mucus membranes including such parts of the body as the mouth, bladder, genitals or rectum, or they actually make contact with the internal organs or bloodstream during surgery. Also, some people are known to have reactions, especially breathing problems, when they even touch the powder from the inside of latex gloves or balloons, or actually eat food that has been handled by latex gloves.

Here are some of the symptoms of a latex allergy. Wheezing, rash or hives, red watery eyes, difficult swallowing or breathing, vomiting, and in some difficult cases, anaphylactic shock can occur. Latex is a natural product and is made from the hevea brasiliensis tree. Latex rubber is produced when chemicals are added to increase elasticity, durability, and strength. Commonly used in the health-care environment, latex comes in many different forms. You will find such items as balloons, elastic bandages, erasers, rubber bands, urinary catheters, adhesive tapes, clothing, pacifiers, bottle nipples, and many other items.

There are many alternatives on the market that are not latex that can be substituted for latex items. From plastic, vinyl, mylar, silicone or synthetic rubber. These all make good substitutes for someone that has a latex allergy. If you have this type of allergy, you are best off to avoid all latex products and use other kinds of pacifiers, tape, gloves, or balloons. Alone on one consultation with your healthcare provider may reveal the need for a letter a about your allergy, medication before you have any surgery, a medical alert necklace or an epi-pen to treat a reaction. If your child is in a school or day care center, camp, hospital or workplace involved with latex exposure, be certain that the school or medical records are labeled with this information.