Health Tip: Manage a Latex Allergy

(HealthDay News) -- Latex may be found in products such as balloons, dishwashing gloves, waistbands, rubber toys, pacifiers, rubber bands and tape.

If you have a latex allergy, exposure can cause a reaction ranging from sneezing, coughing, a rash and chest tightness to anaphylactic shock.

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how to manage a latex allergy:

• Avoid direct contact with latex.
• If you work in patient care, make sure everyone around you wears non-latex gloves.
• Always wear a medical alert device so emergency technicians are aware of your allergy.
• Discuss with your doctor carrying an epinephrine pen.