RESUMO
Reports of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex have increased during the past two decades with both dental personnel and patients being affected. A dental management protocol is outlined for patients who have latex allergy. This includes: the identification of patients at high risk for developing latex allergy; the creation of a controlled, 'latex free' environment in the dental surgery; and the provision of emergency drugs and equipment that are free from natural rubber latex and may be required for the management of an allergic reaction.
Assuntos
Assistência Odontológica para Doentes Crônicos , Materiais Dentários/efeitos adversos , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/prevenção & controle , Hipersensibilidade Imediata/prevenção & controle , Látex/efeitos adversos , Protocolos Clínicos , Dermatite Alérgica de Contato/etiologia , Tratamento de Emergência , Humanos , Hipersensibilidade Imediata/etiologia , Borracha/efeitos adversosRESUMO
A dental student developed swelling of the lips and peri-oral urticaria, immediately after placement of a dental rubber dam during a chairside demonstration of clinical dentistry. A provisional diagnosis of a Type I hypersensitivity reaction to natural rubber latex was made and an appointment organised for specialist investigations. The student reported an atopic history and allergy to peanuts. A Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST), to measure Ig-E antibodies to latex, was positive. The dental student was given advice concerning the avoidance of natural rubber latex. Dental staff must be aware of potentially serious reactions to natural rubber latex in the dental surgery.
