Alergia al látexUn problema de todos

Resumen

The considerable increase in the last few years of latex allergy along with the difficulty of its prevention and handling, given the ubiquity of latex in the environment, makes necessary to establish specific procedures for acting in allergic patients or in those with suspiciousness of allergy to this material. In the presence of this problem of increasing importance, especially in the hospital environment, the diffusion of written information about latex allergy directed to the Healthcare personnel may contribute to improve the quality of care for this type of patients. This article is not intended as a guide for acting, but as a compilation of information relative to the prevention, treatment and way of acting before a possible anaphylactic reaction to latex. It is presented, therefore, as a review of the problem's relevance, both for the patients and for the healthcare professionals, as well as of general aspects about latex and the allergy to this material (prevalence and risk groups, way of sensitization, types of allergic reactions, symptomatology and diagnose). It establishes the standards to follow in dealing with the patient allergic to latex during his hospital stay and in case of a surgical intervention, including an algorithm for acting. Moreover, it describes a possible prophylactic regime, a guidelines in case of an allergic reaction and recommendations for the patient, as well as charts where materials to avoid and recommended alternatives are enumerated, both for the daily use and in the healthcare environment. Lastly, it includes a section on precautions for the healthcare personnel