Latex allergy - part II

Diagnosis of latex allergy consists of four methods: anamnesis, skin tests, laboratory examinations and specific allergen challenge. Anamnesis is the source of information on the symptoms and reactions of IgE- dependend allergy, different accompanying factors and atopy diseases. The recognition of latex allergy is possible with positive SPT and/or sIgE (latex). Specific allergen challenge is performed in situation with positive anamnesis, negative SPT and negative sIgE (latex). Latex allergy treatment is not defferent than other allergic diseases. Specific immunotherapy is new methods in these cases. Because of absence of standardized latex allergens, this method is still on experimental issue. The inconsistent results do not allow the recomendation of immunotherapy in everyday practice. The most important profilactic activity in case of latex allergy is to reduce the exposition to latex among the medical staff and the patients.