We are researching the prevention of latex allergies (LA) in a Japanese undergraduate nursing program. It was clarified that there were some nursing students with allergies to rubber products. We discuss the correspondence between such allergies to rubber products for daily use and the risk factor of latex fruit syndrome based on results of our survey data.
【Purpose】
The purpose of this study is to clarify the correspondence the allergies to rubber products of daily use, e.g., household gloves, rubber bands, hairbands with LA-associated foods e.g., kiwifruits, bananas, chestnuts and avocados.
【Method】
We conducted a questionnaire survey to 611 Japanese nursing university students. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of Seinan Jo Gakuin University (Former affiliated university).
【Results】
All respondents were female and average age was 19.1years old. Of these, 9.0% (55/611) had oral allergic symptoms to fruits and vegetables. Most of them had no consultation doctors, they were taking preventive action to avoid their fruits and vegetables. For most of them, only one type of fruits and vegetables was symptomatic. However, 5/611(0.8%) of the students had symptoms on 5 or more fruits and vegetables. As for avocados, chestnuts, bananas and kiwifruits which frequently cause latex fruit syndrome, 32.0% (18/55) students have experienced allergic symptoms to kiwifruits, 5.4% (3/55) to bananas, 1.8% (1/55) to avocados, 0 to chestnuts.
0.6% (4/611) students have experienced allergic symptoms to both of rubber products (gloves, rubber bands, headbands and balloons) and fruits or vegetables. These 4 students had oral allergic symptoms to kiwifruits, tomatoes, peaches, papayas, mangos and melons.
【Conclusion】
In the Japanese guidelines, one of the risk of LA is latex fruit syndrome. Female university students were considered to have higher frequency of kiwifruits intake compared to chestnuts and bananas. It is difficult to assess LA risk only with foods listed in latex fruit syndrome. However, integrating the results of each inquiry enables selection of the material for use gloves and medical products, and furthermore, it is possible to proceed to the next stage, such as a skin prick test or an IgE antibody test.
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