A latex allergy occurs when the body's immune system instigates an attack when coming in contact with natural rubber latex. The substance that causes this reaction is derived from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree (via Cleveland Clinic). Latex can be found in various products, including rubber gloves, balloons, and some condoms. Fortunately, the chances of developing a latex allergy are rare, occurring in less than 1% of Americans.

当身体的免疫系统在接触天然胶乳时引起攻击时，乳胶过敏就会发生。引起这种反应的物质来自巴西橡胶树的汁液。乳胶可以在各种产品中找到，包括橡胶手套、气球和一些避孕套。幸运的是，发生乳胶过敏症的几率很小，只有不到1%的美国人会发生这种情况。

The severity of an allergic response to latex can vary, according to Cleveland Clinic. Some may experience more mild symptoms such as rashes, a runny nose, or sneezing. Other reactions can be life-threatening, including anaphylaxis. While many healthcare facilities have implemented the use of latex-free gloves,those that haven't may be putting individuals at an increased risk for developing a latex allergy from ongoing and consistent exposure.

根据克利夫兰诊所的说法，乳胶过敏反应的严重程度可能会有所不同。有些人可能会出现更轻微的症状，如皮疹、流鼻涕或打喷嚏。严重反应则可能危及生命，过敏反应也包括在内。虽然许多医疗机构已经使用了无乳胶手套，那些没有这样做的人可能会因为长期、持续的接触而增加个人患乳胶过敏的风险。

But medical products aren't the only items that can prompt this allergic response. As it turns out, certain foods can also stimulate a latex allergy. How can this be so?

但医疗产品并不是唯一能引发这种过敏反应的产品。事实证明，某些食物也会刺激乳胶过敏。怎么会这样?

According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, up to 50% of people with latex allergies also experience reactions to certain vegetables and fruits that the body interprets as latex. Why does this occur? Certain foods, also known as latex cross-reactive foods, are composed of proteins structured similarly to those found in latex. When coming in contact with these foods, the body can respond the same as it would with natural latex.

根据过敏与哮喘网络(Allergy & Asthma Network)的数据，高达50%的乳胶过敏者对某些蔬菜和水果也有反应，身体将其误认为乳胶。为什么会发生这种情况?某些食物，也被称为乳胶交叉反应性食物，由结构类似于乳胶的蛋白质组成。当接触到这些食物时，身体会做出与天然乳胶相同的反应。

Such food items can prompt mild to severe allergic reactions, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network. Foods with low cross-reactivity include coconut, grapes, cucumber, wheat, shellfish, peanuts, and chickpeas. Foods with moderate cross-reactivity include apples, potatoes, celery, carrots, and tomatoes. Those with the highest cross-reactivity include kiwi, avocado, chestnuts, and bananas. It's recommended that those who are allergic to latex avoid these foods. If you suspect you may have developed an allergy to latex, consult a physician to get tested.

据过敏与哮喘网络(Allergy & Asthma Network)称，此类食品可能引发轻微至严重的过敏反应。交叉反应性低的食物包括椰子、葡萄、黄瓜、小麦、贝类、花生和鹰嘴豆。具有中等交叉反应性的食物包括苹果、土豆、芹菜、胡萝卜和西红柿。交叉反应性最高的包括猕猴桃、鳄梨、栗子和香蕉。建议那些对乳胶过敏的人避免食用这些食物。如果您怀疑自己可能对乳胶过敏，请咨询医生进行检测。