Internist Questions Latex Allergy

Is Latex allergy an emergency?

My friend has had a Latex allergy and felt horrible. Is this a medical emergency?

3 Answers

Any shortness of breathe with it ? Yes. If not you can see your doctor asap.
Unless she has trouble breathing, I would not consider it an allergy. Benadryl and pepcid is common first line for allergic reaction. If it is severe enough, I would go to the ER or see her primary care doctor since steroids would be next step if over-the-counter treatment doesn't help.
Have a question aboutLatex Allergy?Ask a doctor now
Any allergy can be an emergency. It depends on your body's reaction. If it is a so-called type 1 allergy, you are prone to a quick release of histamine which can, if it is extreme enough, cause swelling of the throat and cause you to suffocate. Immediate medical attention is then needed. But latex is usually conditioned as at type 2 allergy that only causes a rash. Irritating, but not dangerous.