Two nurses leave profession because of latex allergy

AORN Journal,  Sept, 2002  

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The first reported case of latex allergy, an antigenic response to the complex compounds found in natural rubber latex, occurred in 1979 in a British woman who developed a hypersensitive reaction to household rubber gloves, according to media kit from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Latex allergy can produce a multitude of symptoms, including skin rashes, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes, and anaphylaxis.

During the last 20 years, reports of latex allergy have increased markedly. The primary reason for this increase is the introduction of universal precautions, which require that health care workers wear latex gloves to combat the spread of bloodborne diseases.

Two certified RN anesthetists (CRNAs) know the effects of latex allergy first hand. One CRNA has to wear shoes in his home because the latex backing of his carpet causes chest pain and congestion. The second CRNA cannot wear a stethoscope around her neck because its rubber tubing causes her skin to break out in hives. These nurses suffer from type 1 immunoglobulin-E (IgE)-mediated allergy, which causes an immediate hypersensitivity to actual latex proteins.

Both nurses attribute their development of latex allergy to years spent in the OR. Latex can be found in a variety of health care products ranging from examination gloves to IV catheters and in more than 40,000 consumer products. Certain foods contain the same allergy-producing proteins found in natural rubber latex. One nurse cannot peel raw potatoes and the other cannot eat bananas, avocados, cherries, plums, nectarines, and peaches.

Both CRNAs had to quit their jobs because of their allergy. One currently works as a consultant to the medical and legal communities, and the other indulges in hobbies such as piano playing and stained glass making. They continue to look for meaningful careers that offer the same personal and professional rewards as nursing.

These nurses believe that education is the key to dealing with latex allergy. They say physicians can greatly influence decisions to purchase nonlatex gloves and can help health care workers change their attitudes about the use of latex gloves.

Nurses can take precautions to minimize their exposure to natural rubber latex. These include

* wearing low-protein or powder-free gloves,

* washing hands with a pH-balanced soap and drying thoroughly between glove use,

* removing gloves hourly to allow hands to air dry,

* wearing glove liners made of cotton or polymers, and

* removing latex-containing dust from the workplace.

Latex Allergy Media Kit (Park Ridge, III American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, 2002).

COPYRIGHT 2002 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group