
The most common cause of latex allergy involves touching latex-containing products, including latex gloves, condoms and balloons. The more times you are exposed to latex, the more strongly your immune system is likely to respond. The next time you're exposed to latex, these antibodies tell your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream, producing a range of allergy signs and symptoms. In a latex allergy, your immune system identifies latex as a harmful substance and triggers certain antibodies to fight it off. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causes If possible, see your doctor when you're reacting, which will aid in diagnosis. If you have less severe reactions after exposure to latex, talk to your doctor. Seek emergency medical care if you are having or think you're having an anaphylactic reaction. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include: The most serious allergic reaction to latex is anaphylaxis, which can be deadly. An anaphylactic (an-uh-fuh-LAK-tik) reaction develops immediately after latex exposure in highly sensitive people, but it rarely happens the first time you're exposed. Your reaction can become worse with each additional latex exposure.


A reaction depends on how sensitive you are to latex and the amount of latex you touch or inhale. Latex allergy symptoms range from mild to severe. You can also have symptoms if you breathe in latex particles that are released into the air when someone removes latex gloves. If you're allergic to latex, you're likely to have symptoms after touching latex rubber products, such as gloves or balloons.
