Act Now! Don’t Ignore Severe Allergic Reactions
Posted on November 11, 2008
Filed Under Allergies | Leave a Comment
An allergic reaction is something that most all of us are knowledgeable about. What I’m attempting to do is make you aware of the causes and seriousness of severe allergic reactions.
It is not unusual for people to suffer from one or more allergic reactions at sometime during their life and the causes and symptoms can be wide ranging. Severe allergic reactions may cause anaphylaxis which is trouble with a capital ‘T’ Although uncommon it can result in a life threatening situation.
Anaphylaxis is the severest allergic reaction of all which circulates quickly and causes dangerous symptoms in the body. It can cause serious consequences as the patient generally has difficulty breathing and may undergo shock, which may result in death.
Before a particular person can experience anaphylaxis, ’sensitization’ must occur from being exposed to the trigger. What this means is the first time the person eats for example a nut, all is well, but the next time or later down the track, they may eat nuts may suffer anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.
There is no way of knowing when anaphylaxis will result from exposure to the trigger, it may be the second time or several exposures may be necessary. Also how fast it takes for anaphylaxis to strike is unpredictable, it usually results within minutes but there can also be a delayed reaction.
The immune system overreacting when it detects an alien substance in the body is responsible for anaphylaxis. The white blood cells create antibodies when responding to the antigen; and these antibodies spread throughout the bloodstream and attach to some cells of the body.
Once the antibodies come in contact with an antigen, other cells start producing chemicals called ‘mediators’. An example of such a mediator is histamine. And it is this effect of these mediators that causes an allergic reaction in the body.
The causes or triggers of severe allergic reactions are numerous and may be blood products or transfusion of blood, dyes used in radiology procedures, medications whether over the counter or prescription, substances like latex, venom from stinging insects and some foods and food additives. Nuts shellfish are well known culprits.
Severe allergic reactions can come out of the blue and attack anyone. But patients who endure eczema, hay fever and asthma are more prone to anaphylactic reactions then other people.
The most threatening symptom to severe allergic reactions is difficulty in breathing and loss of consciousness that is due to swelling and/or spasms in the airways. Loss of consciousness here arises with low blood pressure, and is referred to as ’shock’. In very rare cases, the heart may stop pumping and breathing can stop.
If you suffer a severe allergic reaction get immediate medical attention. Don’t wait at home, head to your nearest emergency department, by ambulance if necessary.
As difficult as it may seem it is important to remain calm and try to think of the cause of this allergic reaction, while waiting for the ambulance. If your swallowing is ok take an antihistamine or better still inject yourself if you have an epinephrine kit.
The purpose of this topic was to prove useful to you in your practical life and I know if a severe allergic reaction occasion arises you will be glad you read this article.
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