Episodic stridor with latex nipple use in a 2-month-old infant.

Abstract

Latex allergy in the pediatric population is most commonly identified in patients who have undergone multiple operations for neural tube defects or exstrophic genitourinary anomalies. However, there are a significant number of children who, without the usual risk factors, clinically and/or serologically appear to be latex allergic. There is sporadic information in the medical literature regarding reactions to latex allergens in household items, especially in patients younger than 1 year old. Several recent reports even support the existence of reactions to latex pacifiers. We report a case of an atopic 2-month-old infant who experienced the previously unreported reaction of repeated stridor on exposure to a latex nipple while feeding. It is important that clinicians recognize stridor as a potential reaction to latex in infants.