What is latex allergy?
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, a latex allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to latex, a natural rubber found in rubber products such as gloves, condoms, tampons, and some medical devices. When exposed to latex, the body can react with symptoms such as itching, rash, swelling, and even difficulty breathing or, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock.
Latex allergies can develop from prolonged or repeated exposure to products containing latex, and people with food allergies may also experience cross-allergic reactions to certain foods that contain proteins similar to latex.
Foods to Avoid If You Are Allergic to Latex
Papaya: Containing enzymes similar to the proteins found in latex, papaya is one of the most common foods that cause cross-allergic reactions. People with latex allergies may experience itching or swelling in the mouth when eating papaya.
Bananas: Bananas contain proteins similar to latex and can cause allergic reactions. While not everyone with a latex allergy will react to bananas, caution is advised if you have had a cross-reaction.
Avocado: Avocados contain proteins that can cause allergic reactions, ranging from mouth itching to more serious symptoms for people sensitive to latex.
Kiwi: Kiwi has proteins similar to latex, making it a trigger for allergic reactions in people with latex allergies, with symptoms such as itching, swelling, or more severe.
Mango: Mangoes can cause allergic reactions in people with latex allergies, with symptoms in the mouth or more severe reactions if sensitivity is high.
Chestnuts: Chestnuts, especially European chestnuts, can cause cross-reactions, causing people with latex allergies to experience allergic symptoms similar to those caused by exposure to latex.
Tomatoes: Although less common, some people with latex allergies may experience a cross-reaction to tomatoes, due to the similarity of proteins in tomatoes to latex.
If you have a latex allergy, avoiding these foods is important to prevent serious allergic reactions.
