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Allergic reactions to latex (natural rubber) products can occur when items containing latex touch the skin, the mucous membranes (the mouth, genitals, bladder or rectum), or contact the internal organs or bloodstream (especially during surgery). Reactions can also happen when people breathe or touch the powder from inside latex gloves or balloons, or eat food that has been handled by latex gloves. These allergic responses can include:

* red, watery eyes
* wheezing
* hives, rash
* swelling, difficulty breathing
* vomiting, anaphylactic shock

What is latex ?

Latex is a natural product from the Hevea brasiliensis tree. Natural latex rubber is produced when chemicals to increase durability, elasticity, and strength are added to the latex. Natural latex rubber may be an ingredient of many products commonly used in the healthcare environment, in the community, and in the home, including: exam gloves, Koosh balls, balloons, rubber bands, pacifiers, urinary catheters,IV tubing ports, erasers,condoms, adhesive tapes, elastic bandages, tires, diaper elastic, clothing, dental dams,bottle nipples.

There are alternative, non-latex products that can be substituted for most latex items. Usually, these alternatives are made of plastic, mylar, vinyl, silicone or synthetic rubber.

What can be done about latex allergy?
If a person is suspected of having had a reaction of any kind to a latex product, or if there has been an unexplained allergic reaction during an operation, a dental or medical exam, please inform healthcare providers.

For individuals who are sensitive to latex products, we recommend:

* Avoiding all latex products. Use other kinds of gloves, pacifiers, tape, balloons etc.
* Talking with your healthcare provider about the possible need for

Allergy to certain molds is fairly common and can cause symptoms of either hay fever or asthma in sensitized people. Outdoor molds such as Alternaria and Cladosporium seem to cause the most trouble with asthma. Indoor molds such as Penicillium also can cause allergic symptoms.

The antibiotic penicillin is highly purified and does not contain protein or mold spores. Although allergy to penicillin occurs, it is not more common in persons who are sensitive to Penicillium mold. However, people with allergies such as hay fever and asthma may be at increased risk for allergic reactions to drugs of many kinds.

Penicillin and related antibiotics (the same class) are effective in treating bacterial infections.But if you have an allergy to penicillin, administration of these drugs can be harmful, even dangerous for you.

In some people, penicillin and related antibiotics may cause an allergic reaction.Not all adverse reactions to penicillin are a sign of an allergic reaction.

True allergic reactions involve the immune system and can cause signs and symptoms that vary in a wide range, from an annoying rash to a life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis) with low blood pressure and breathing problems.

Signs and symptoms of allergy to penicillin may include:
1 .Laryngitis;
2. Rash;
3. Itchy skin;
4. Wheezing;
5. Swollen lips, tongue and face

Tell it to your doctor if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of allergy to penicillin. It can determine if you have an allergic reaction and can prescribe another antibiotic.

The most common cause of drug allergies are penicillin antibiotics. A penicillin allergy provokes an allergic reaction that occurs when your body’s immune system overreacts to penicillin antibiotics.

Symptoms of penicillin allergy

Common adverse drug reactions and the use of the penicillins include: diarrhea, hypersensitivity, nausea, rash, neurotoxicity urticaria. Infrequent adverse effects include fever, vomiting, erythema, dermatitis, angioedema, seizures.
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