Foods which need to be avoided with a latex allergy?

Appeared in: Central Institute of Psychiatry - 9 July 2022

Explanation

Banana because of a well-documented cross-reactivity known as latex-fruit syndrome.
In this syndrome, the body's immune system, sensitized to proteins in latex, reacts to similar-looking proteins present in certain foods.
Banana is one of the most frequently implicated foods in this syndrome, along with avocado, kiwi, and chestnut.
Exposure to these foods in a latex-allergic individual can trigger symptoms ranging from oral allergy syndrome (itchy mouth) to systemic anaphylaxis.

Option A: Egg allergy is a distinct food allergy and is not associated with latex-fruit syndrome. The allergenic proteins in eggs are different from those in latex.
Option C: Milk allergy is a common allergy, especially in children, but it is not linked to latex cross-reactivity. The proteins in milk (like casein and whey) do not share structural similarity with latex proteins.
Option D: Yoghurt, being a dairy product, falls under the same category as milk. An allergy or intolerance to yoghurt is related to dairy and is not a cross-reaction from a latex allergy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Latex-food cross-reactivity (Latex-fruit syndrome) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must conduct a thorough allergy assessment, including asking patients with a known latex allergy about any reactions to foods, particularly bananas, avocados, and kiwis.
It is a critical patient safety measure to use latex-free gloves, supplies, and equipment for any patient with a documented latex allergy to prevent an allergic reaction.
Patient education is vital. Nurses should teach patients about the latex-fruit connection, the importance of reading food labels, and the need to wear a medical alert bracelet.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question, which is 'latex allergy'.
Recall or deduce the associated conditions or syndromes related to the key concept. In this case, it's the 'latex-fruit syndrome'.
Scan the options to see if any of them are known cross-reactants in this syndrome.
Banana is a classic example of a food that cross-reacts with latex.
Eliminate the other options by recognizing them as common but separate food allergies (egg and dairy) that are not linked to latex cross-reactivity.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 250-252

E6 Nutrition Kumud Khanna 2e p. 419-421

Practise the full Central Institute of Psychiatry - 9 July 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.