Latex Allergies
Latex allergy and latex sensitivity are sometimes lumped together to describe an immunologic reaction to latex: to either the proteins found in latex or to the chemical substances used in manufacturing latex. Natural latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. Synthetic latex is manufactured from petrochemicals. Either of these forms of latex can be used to make a variety of products used in homes, including balloons, rubber gloves, rubber bands, condoms, toys, adhesives, and shoe soles.
Drug Allergies & Allergic Reactions to Medications
Any medication could potentially cause an allergic reaction. It is important to quickly identify an allergic reaction to a medication because the symptoms can be very uncomfortable or even life-threatening:
- Hives or rash
- Itching
- Asthma attack
- Severe sneezing
- Swelling (of the tongue or lips, for example)
- Loss of consciousness
- Anaphylaxis
Allergic reactions to medications usually do not occur the first time a person takes a specific drug. You may have been exposed to the medication or a medication in the same drug class without knowing it.
It is also possible that what you think may be a drug allergy could actually be drug interactions or side effect. For this reason, it is very important to make sure you tell your doctor about all of the medications you have been taking.