Because of widespread
latex manufacturing in the last decades, exposure to
latex has become ever greater, as has the incidence of
latex allergy among the general population as well as the high-risk groups. Clinical manifestations range from local reactions (
edema,
itching,
erythema, and papulae), rhino-
conjunctivitis,
asthma, pharyngeal
edema, to severe systemic reactions such as
anaphylactic shock (from parenteral exposure especially during medical examinations or
surgical procedures). Diagnosis is formulated on the basis of the personal history and an accurate allergological evaluation. Patients usually have a history of
food intolerance or adverse reactions during medical or
surgical procedures, which are believed to be the result of
anesthetics or other drugs. In vivo tests are prick and patch tests and challenge tests. Challenge tests (nasal, conjunctival, bronchial, intravaginal, sublingual, oral, and cutaneous tests) are important for confirming the diagnosis, for evaluating a patient's response to the different kinds of
latex exposure, and for verifying the effects of desensitizing treatments on the various organs involved in
latex allergy. The most important in vitro test is the specific anti-
natural rubber latex IgE assay. The only effective resolution to the
latex allergy problem seems to be desensitization. The criteria of effectiveness are the capability to use
latex items, to undergo medical examinations (even invasive), and to remain in an environment where
latex particles can be inhaled (such as surgical departments), without symptoms. The first attempts were performed by subcutaneous administration of
latex, but this protocol seems to be delicate to perform because of the side effects. Two different alternative methods (percutaneous and sublingual) were successfully performed and proved to be safer and more effective, even though further studies on a larger group of patients are needed.