If you're allergic to latex, you may also be allergic to certain fruits, nuts and vegetables. To avoid a dangerous reaction, you should be tested for food allergies.
The danger exists because your immune system may confuse proteins in the foods for the proteins found in latex, says the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly allergic reaction that affects your entire body, is possible.
According to the ACAAI and other experts, foods most likely to cause problems include:
- Bananas.
- Avocados.
- Chestnuts.
- Kiwi.
- Melons.
- Tomatoes.
- Carrots.
- Celery.
- Papayas.
- Potatoes.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include a red rash with hives or welts, a swollen throat or swelling elsewhere on your body, light-headedness, shortness of breath, anxiety, stomach cramps, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek emergency care immediately. Better yet, get tested for food allergies before a reaction happens.
Reviewed 3/26/2024
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Anaphylaxis." https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/anaphylaxis.
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Latex Allergy." https://www.aaaai.org/Conditions-Treatments/Allergies/Latex-Allergy.
- American Academy of Family Physicians. "Latex Allergy." https://familydoctor.org/condition/latex-allergy.
- American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. "Anaphylaxis." https://acaai.org/allergies/symptoms/anaphylaxis/.
- American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. "Food Allergy." https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/.
- American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. "Latex Allergy." https://acaai.org/allergies/types/latex-allergy.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. "Latex Allergy." https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/latex-allergy/.