Reactions to Latex

Latex has been commonly used in household products and medical supplies for decades. It is a natural rubber, and many of its properties make it ideal for medical use. All medical professionals should be aware of the potential for a severe reaction to latex exposure for those with a latex allergy, and should properly screen for allergies, reference patients’ histories, and take proper precautions with anyone complaining of latex allergies. Sadly, some doctors and other medical personnel exacerbate patients’ conditions when they fail to realize what is happening when a patient reacts to latex.

Types of Reactions

There are two types of reactions a person can have toward latex:

• The first is known as Type 1, and it is the more serious of the two reactions. If a patient has a severe allergy and comes into contact with latex, or even simply inhales some of the dust that is commonly on latex products, he or she could go into anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock can lead to heart problems and an inability to breathe. This reaction is life-threatening and must be treated immediately.

• The other reaction is known as Type 4, and it is not life-threatening. However, it can be quite painful. In this case, any skin exposed to latex breaks into a rash. It can get quite painful, with swelling and oozing sores forming on the skin.

Both types of reactions can require medical attention and time off from work. It is also important to note that those with Type 4 reactions can eventually have a Type 1 reaction if they have repeated exposures to latex.

Contact Us

If your doctor failed to diagnosis you or a loved one with a latex allergy, or if you informed your medical team of your allergy and they did not react responsibly by keeping you away from sources of latex, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact a Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorney of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 610-667-7511 today to learn more.