How latex allergy reactions are treated depends very much on the severity of the reaction.

Mild reactions (see 'What are the symptoms?')

These symptoms usually respond to removal of natural rubber latex (NRL) allergen and / or an antihistamine.

An antihistamine is a medicine which reduces or eliminates the effects of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions. For more information about histamine click here and antihistamine medications click here.

There are several different types of antihistamine pills available, and these can be easily obtained at chemists and supermarket stores.

Some antihistamines, e.g. chlorphenamine (chlorpheniramine, Piriton), can make you sleepy, and should not be taken if you are driving or using machinery.

Some antihistamines relieve symptoms for a short time (e.g. chlorphenamine), while others have a longer-lasting effect (e.g. cetirizine, desloratidine, fexofenadine).

Antihistamines may also interfere with the action of (i.e. interact with) other medicines.

In general, therefore, it is best to see your family doctor to decide which antihistamine is most appropriate for you.

Remember, always read the label on the packet or bottle.

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Bronchospasm

Asthma-type symptoms or wheezing (bronchospasm) are normally treated with a bronchodilator.

This is a medicine that is normally taken by using an inhaler, e.g. salbutamol (Ventolin).

It works by opening up the airway and so makes breathing easier. For more information about how bronchodilators work click here.

This medicine is normally prescribed by your family doctor, who will arrange training in how to use it and check that it is helping your symptoms.

It is also important to consider exposure to airborne latex, e.g. from powdered gloves (see the 'powder page '), and eliminate this if possible.

Remember that rhinitis and conjunctivitis may be caused by NRL in the air, especially if powdered latex gloves are being used by other people (see the 'powder page ').

A change to using non-powdered gloves may greatly relieve these symptoms.

Severe reactions

Anaphylaxis

People with latex allergy who are thought to be at risk of having a severe (anaphylactic) reaction may be provided with adrenaline syringes (sometimes called devices or pens) for self-administration in an emergency.

The decision on whether these are prescribed is made on an individual basis by the prescribing doctor, normally an allergist, clinical immunologist or dermatologist.

The adrenaline devices most commonly prescribed in the UK are:

Epipen
For more information about Epipen click here

Anapen
For more information about Anapen click here

If you are prescribed adrenaline you must be shown how to use the device correctly.

The doctor who prescribes the adrenaline pens should have a training pen available to show you how to inject, and you can practice with this. You must insist on having this training. It is very important that in the unlikely event of having to use it that you know exactly what to do.

You should also arrange to show your friends and work colleagues how to use it, just in case they have to do it for you.

If the pens are prescribed for a child, the parents will normally be shown how to use the pens (as well as the child if he or she is old enough to understand how to use them). It is important that the child’s school or nursery is also trained in their use. Many schools are already familiar with these devices because so many are prescribed for peanut allergy, but it is best to make sure.

Epipen and Anapen have a different firing mechanism and should not be used interchangeably.

Some people understandably feel anxious, worried or daunted when they are prescribed these pens. This is why good training in their use is essential. It is important to remember that they are very easy to use and may be life-saving.

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You must seek immediate medical attention if you use the device

When phoning for an ambulance, state ‘anaphylaxis’ and give the used device to the ambulance crew

The decision on when to inject adrenaline can sometimes be very difficult. Panic about having a reaction can itself cause symptoms that are very similar to anaphylaxis. This is why proper training by a doctor or nurse in how to manage a reaction is so important.

In general, if you have severe difficulty in breathing or swallowing, experience sudden weakness or floppiness or a steady deterioration, these can all be signs of a serious reaction which requires urgent treatment. If you are in doubt, or if you feel that things are getting out of control, you should inject earlier rather than later.

Patients who have had an anaphylactic reaction are usually kept under observation in hospital for a period of time, because sometimes recovery is followed by recurrence of symptoms a few hours later.

You should be prescribed two devices

The device has been known to mis-fire, so it is important to carry a spare.

One injection almost always buys enough time to get to medical attention, but just occasionally a second dose is required before medical help can arrive.

You must know when to re-order

The devices have a limited shelf-life so you must make sure yours is still in date and reorder when necessary.

You must carry them at all times

A useful carrying case to help you do this is available from the Yellow Cross Company website.

For more information visit the Anaphylaxis Campaign website.

This provides useful information about anaphylaxis, including practical advice on avoidance of allergens and support services, as well as information about adrenaline auto-injectors and instructions for their use.

At present, there is no consensus guidance available on when to prescribe adrenaline syringes for self-injection. For a review of the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of adrenaline in the treatment of anaphylaxis, click here. For an authoritative resume of the management of anaphylactic reactions click here.

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