About 40% of people who have latex allergy may also have an allergy to plant-derived foods, especially fresh fruit.

This association is called the latex-fruit syndrome. It occurs because there are proteins in some foods that are similar to latex proteins. These proteins can act as allergens in the same way as the latex proteins do (see 'What is Latex Allergy?'). This is called cross-reaction.

The foods that most commonly cause reactions in people with latex allergy are:

• avocado
• kiwi
• banana
• chestnut

Cross-reaction may also occur to a number of other foods. For information about other foods that may cross-react click here.

If you have an allergic reaction to any of these foods, you may experience symptoms similar to when you have a reaction to latex (see 'symptoms').

These may include:

• localised itching and / or swelling around the mouth when eating the food
• urticaria / hives
• wheezing
• sickness
• occasionally anaphylaxis, although this is rare

Allergy to one particular food does not mean that all other potentially crossreacting foods need to be avoided, but it is important to avoid any that cause these symptoms.

It is not always clear which comes first, latex or food allergy.

If you would like to read a detailed review of latex-fruit syndrome click here.

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