Mortality/Morbidity
Patients with type I hypersensitivity are at risk of developing anaphylaxis and/or respiratory obstruction, which can be fatal.
Deaths have been reported following the intraoperative use of latex rectal catheters. Latex anaphylaxis has occurred after childbirth, instrumentation, intravenous injection, balloon blowing, and condom use.
Although most patients can be treated effectively for type IV and type I reactions without clinical sequelae, major allergy may prevent them from pursuing certain careers, using many household and workplace objects, and seeking timely medical care due to justified fear of latex exposure.
Sex
Incidence in males and females is equal.
Age
Latex allergy probably is more common in children and in younger working adults because of the increased medical and/or occupational exposure over the past two decades.