Sono allergico al lattice.

I am allergic to latex.

Pronunciation

LAT-ti-che — three syllables, stress on first. 'Lattice' = latex. The 'c' before 'e' is soft.

When to use it

Inform all healthcare providers — dentists, surgeons, nurses — before any procedure. Latex allergy can cause severe anaphylaxis.

What it means

'Allergia al lattice' = latex allergy. Latex gloves ('guanti in lattice'), catheters, and IV tubing may contain latex. Healthcare providers must use 'guanti senza lattice' (latex-free gloves) and 'materiale latex-free' (latex-free equipment). Cross-reactivity exists with some foods: avocado, banana, kiwi, chestnut — 'sindrome lattice-frutta'.

Variations

Deve usare guanti senza lattice per favore.

Please use latex-free gloves.

Direct request to healthcare provider — say this before any examination or procedure

Ho anche la sindrome lattice-frutta. Sono allergico al kiwi e all'avocado.

I also have latex-fruit syndrome. I am allergic to kiwi and avocado.

Important food allergy association — tell the doctor and catering in hospital

Il materiale che usate è tutto latex-free?

Is all the material you use latex-free?

Confirm before surgical procedure — operating rooms must be prepared with latex-free environment

Mini Dialogue

— Sono allergico al lattice. Deve usare guanti senza lattice. — Grazie per avermelo detto. Usiamo guanti in nitrile di routine adesso. — È una reazione grave la mia. Ho avuto orticaria e difficoltà a respirare. — Capisco. Segnalerò in cartella 'allergia al lattice grave'. Tutto il team sarà avvertito. — Grazie. Sono un po' ansioso per l'operazione. — È comprensibile. Prenderemo ogni precauzione.

— I am allergic to latex. You must use latex-free gloves. — Thank you for telling me. We use nitrile gloves routinely now. — It is a serious reaction for me. I had hives and difficulty breathing. — I understand. I will note in the record 'severe latex allergy'. The whole team will be warned. — Thank you. I am a bit anxious about the operation. — That is understandable. We will take every precaution.

Cultural Note

Latex allergy ('allergia al lattice') became a significant occupational disease in Italian healthcare workers during the 1990s due to heavy glove use. Italy was among the first countries to switch to nitrile and vinyl alternatives. Italian hospitals are required to declare 'ambienti latex-safe' (latex-safe environments) for allergic patients — removing all latex-containing items from the procedure room. SIAARTI (Italian Anaesthesiology Society) publishes latex allergy management guidelines.

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Ho degli effetti collaterali con questo farmaco.

Sono allergico alla codeina.

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