There seems to be so much confusion on allergic reactions. This article is just an effort to provide information that could save a life and dispel most of the prevailing confusion in the minds of people.
Allergic reactions are quite common in people where the triggers are varied and the symptoms, varied. There are some rare cases where the victim may suffer from one of the most severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis.
When you suffer from anaphylaxis, you experience a severe allergic reaction that spreads quickly and causes life threatening symptoms in the body. The victim usually finds it difficult to breathe, and may experience shock that leads to death.
For anaphylaxis to start in the body you have to have been exposed to the trigger previously; this is referred to as sensitization. This means that though a bee sting may not cause severe allergic reactions at first, a second sting may lead to anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.
A person may enjoy eating shellfish for years and then suddenly develop a severe allergic reaction; there is no telling when or if it will strike. Usually on exposure to an allergy trigger, anaphylaxis results almost instantly but there are times when the reaction is delayed.
It is when the body's immune system overreacts to an antigen on recognizing a foreign substance in the body that anaphylaxis occurs. The WBC produce antibodies when reacting with the antigen; and these antibodies circulate the bloodstream to attach to some cells of the body.
It is actually mediators, such as histamine that cause allergic reactions. Mediators are chemicals created by cells when antibodies meet with an antigen.
There are many triggers for anaphylaxis; and only a trace amount of this trigger is sufficient to start a severe allergic reaction. These triggers to severe allergic reactions may be prescription and over the counter medications, venom of stinging insects, food additives, substances like latex, some foods like shellfish and nuts, dyes used in radiology procedures and transfusion of blood or blood products.
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 suffering from a severe allergic reaction don't flirt with danger by waiting it out at home, go straight to your nearest emergency department or ambulance.
While waiting for the ambulance, you have to remain calm, try to identify the cause of the reaction and take an antihistamine if you have no difficulty swallowing. If you have an epinephrine kit, inject yourself or have someone do it for you.
The main motive of this article was to make you aware of the importance of being informed concerning severe allergic reactions and if you think that we were successful in doing that, our goal has been achieved. - 15343
Allergic reactions are quite common in people where the triggers are varied and the symptoms, varied. There are some rare cases where the victim may suffer from one of the most severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis.
When you suffer from anaphylaxis, you experience a severe allergic reaction that spreads quickly and causes life threatening symptoms in the body. The victim usually finds it difficult to breathe, and may experience shock that leads to death.
For anaphylaxis to start in the body you have to have been exposed to the trigger previously; this is referred to as sensitization. This means that though a bee sting may not cause severe allergic reactions at first, a second sting may lead to anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.
A person may enjoy eating shellfish for years and then suddenly develop a severe allergic reaction; there is no telling when or if it will strike. Usually on exposure to an allergy trigger, anaphylaxis results almost instantly but there are times when the reaction is delayed.
It is when the body's immune system overreacts to an antigen on recognizing a foreign substance in the body that anaphylaxis occurs. The WBC produce antibodies when reacting with the antigen; and these antibodies circulate the bloodstream to attach to some cells of the body.
It is actually mediators, such as histamine that cause allergic reactions. Mediators are chemicals created by cells when antibodies meet with an antigen.
There are many triggers for anaphylaxis; and only a trace amount of this trigger is sufficient to start a severe allergic reaction. These triggers to severe allergic reactions may be prescription and over the counter medications, venom of stinging insects, food additives, substances like latex, some foods like shellfish and nuts, dyes used in radiology procedures and transfusion of blood or blood products.
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 suffering from a severe allergic reaction don't flirt with danger by waiting it out at home, go straight to your nearest emergency department or ambulance.
While waiting for the ambulance, you have to remain calm, try to identify the cause of the reaction and take an antihistamine if you have no difficulty swallowing. If you have an epinephrine kit, inject yourself or have someone do it for you.
The main motive of this article was to make you aware of the importance of being informed concerning severe allergic reactions and if you think that we were successful in doing that, our goal has been achieved. - 15343
About the Author:
Lorna Hillier is a registered nurse and is interested in many health topics. Her huge First Aid site has an informative free report called "First Aid and Injury Prevention" This First Aid Help hub site includes 15 first aid related sections, one being Medical Care
