Abstract
Twenty-five of 27 patients with immunoglobulin E-mediated allergy working in medical, dental, or laboratory occupations were reexamined on average 7 years after diagnosis. Five had changed occupation, and five had changed tasks within their occupation because of latex allergy. Fifteen of 19 still in the same job reported work-related symptoms from their allergy during the previous 2 years to review with the dominating symptoms being glove-provoked contact urticaria in combination with rhinitis or periorbital reactions; three patients reported asthma. The majority of patients reported increasing severity of their reactions. Airborne and incidental direct latex exposure at work was difficult to avoid, as was exposure away from work. In view of the known risk of anaphylactic reactions in immunoglobulin E-mediated latex allergy, the clinical symptoms, specific immunoglobulin E levels, and allergen exposure should be carefully followed up in this patient group.
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