Journal of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology  1998;18(3):510-517

A case of occupational asthma induced by latexin a hospital personnel.

Byung Jae LEE ; Yoon Keun KIM ; Kyung Up MIN ; You Young KIM

Keywords

latex glove; asthma; occupational asthma

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

IgE-mediated sensitization to natural rubber latex can induce immediate hypersensitivity reactions ranging from contact urticaria to life threatening anaphylaxis. Recent reports suggest that asthma is also relatively frequent manifestation of latex allergy. In this case report, lat,ex induced asthma is described in an operat.ing room nurse regularly exposed t,o latex gloves. Her latex sensitivity was detected by skin prick testing. Specific bronchial provocation test with latex extract showed an early asthmatic reaction. Her symptoms had been much improved after avoidance. Occupational asthma induced by latex may be not uncommon among health care workers.