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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffIt isn't clear why some people develop allergies while others don't. However, certain people are at greater risk of developing a latex allergy:
- Children with spina bifida. The risk of latex allergy is highest in children with spina bifida — a birth defect that affects the development of the spine. Children with this disorder often are exposed to latex products through early and frequent health care. About half of all children with spina bifida are allergic to latex.
- Health care workers. If you work in the health care field, your chances of developing an allergy are higher. The signs and symptoms of latex allergy may be similar to those of occupational asthma, a lung disease caused by inhaling workplace substances.
- People with a food allergy. Latex allergy is also related to certain foods. Foods such as avocados, bananas, chestnuts, kiwis and passion fruits contain some of the same allergens found in latex. If you're allergic to latex, you have a greater chance of also being allergic to these foods.
- People with a family history of allergies. You're at increased risk of latex allergy if other allergies, such as hay fever or hives, are common in your family.
