Archive for the ‘anaphylaxis’ Category

Signs and Symptoms of Animal Allergies

Saturday, November 29th, 2008

Animal allergy symptoms are much the same as symptoms for other types of allergies. They may occur year-round and are not dependent on the seasons, like some pollen and mold allergies. People may experience one or several allergic symptoms, including:

* Red, watery itchy eyes
* Eczema (flaky, scaly, itchy pink patches on the skin)
* Hives or welts
* Watery nasal discharge
* Sneezing
* Sore throat
* Coughing
* Wheezing
* Shortness of breath
* Chest pain or tightness

Some people experience allergic reactions to animals within a few minutes of being exposed to them. Others may take from eight to 12 hours before their symptoms become full-blown.

The severity of allergic reactions to animals varies between patients. Rarely, some people with animal allergies experience anaphylaxis. This is a serious and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

* Shortness of breath
* Tightness in the chest
* Swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue (angioedema)
* Lowered blood pressure

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Anaphylaxis Allergy

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

Anaphylaxis is a rare but severe allergic reaction that can occur after exposure to an allergy-causing substance. If you have a history of allergies or a family history of anaphylactic reactions, you may be at higher risk. Causes of anaphylaxis include certain medications, latex, insect bites and stings, and foods such as peanuts, shellfish, and dairy products. Anaphylactic reactions are rarely caused by pollens.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

* intense itching or burning
* sneezing or coughing
* flushing, redness of the skin
* watery eyes
* hives
* tightness in chest/difficulty breathing
* wheezing
* tongue swelling
* nausea/vomiting
* rapid/weak pulse
* decreased/low blood pressure
* shock
* dizziness/fainting

If you think you have had an anaphylactic response, you should see an allergy specialist. The specialist will evaluate your symptoms and ask questions related to your exposure and reactions to different allergy-causing substances. This will determine if you have had an anaphylactic response, and if so, what has triggered it. Allergy testing may also be part of the evaluation. Although anaphylaxis is rare, it is serious and potentially life-threatening. One out of every 2.5 million people per year dies from anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the drug that is most commonly used to treat anaphylaxis. If you are at risk, your doctor or specialist may recommend you carry an epinephrine kit, which includes a self-injecting shot. The shot can be self-administered, and should be given immediately after the reaction until professional medical attention is available. Follow-up by a medical professional should be performed as soon as possible. You may also want to wear a MedicAlert bracelet indicating your condition and instruct family members and friends how to administer the epinephrine to you in case you have a reaction and are unable to administer it to yourself.

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Epinephrine Allergic Conditions

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

Epinephrine is a medication that is used in emergency rooms and doctor’s offices to treat allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that involves the entire body. It is most commonly caused by foods, drugs and stinging insects. Administering the epinephrine early in anaphylaxis improves the chances of survival and a quick recovery.

People with a history of anaphylaxis should carry an autoinjectable epinephrine with them at all times. As always go to the Emergency Room after you use it for a follow-up from the physician.

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Anaphylaxis Treatment and prevention

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

If you (or anyone you are with) begins experiencing severe allergy symptoms, call for medical help to get to an emergency room, where you may receive an epinephrine (adrenalin) shot to relieve breathing problems and improve circulation, and other medications such as antihistamines (that reduce the swelling and itch) or steroids (that further reduce the allergic response). The sooner the reaction is treated, the less severe it is likely to become. Even if you have received immediate medical treatment on site, you should be transported to a hospital for further evaluation.

When to see an allergy/asthma specialist?

The AAAAI’s How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:

* Have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) without an obvious or previously defined trigger.
* Have had anaphylaxis attributed to food, drugs, or insect stings.
* Have had exercise-induced anaphylaxis or food-dependent exercise induced anaphylaxis.

The allergist/immunologist will take your medical history and conduct other tests, if needed, to determine the exact cause. Once the trigger of the reaction is identified, your allergist/immunologist can provide detailed information about avoiding the substance, and possibly related ones that pose danger. Avoidance of the allergen(s) is the primary way to remain safe, but requires quite a great deal of education.

Specific advice may include:

Food:
how to interpret ingredient labels, manage restaurant dining, avoid food cross-contact.
Insects: reducing perfumes, bright color clothing, and “high risk” activities, wearing long sleeves/pants.
Medications: which drugs/treatments to avoid, a list of alternative medications that should be tolerated.

In some cases, your allergist/immunologist may suggest specific treatments. For example, vaccines (“allergy shots”) to virtually eliminate the risk of anaphylaxis from insect stings are available, and there are procedures that make it possible to be treated with certain medications to which you are allergic.

Anaphylaxis events can be made worse by the medications that patients take to treat other illnesses. In addition some medications interfere with the activity of epinephrine used to treat episodes of anaphylaxis. The allergist/immunologist can advise you about these medications and suitable alternatives.

Your allergist/immunologist may also prescribe a self-injectable epinephrine shot to carry with you. This medication reverses the allergic reaction, at least temporarily, to provide the life-saving time needed to get further treatment in a medical facility. Learn how to self-administer the epinephrine according to your allergist/immunologist’s instructions, and replace the device before the labeled expiration date.

You may also want to wear a special bracelet or necklace that identifies you as having a severe allergy. These tags can also supply other important information about your medical condition.

If you have had an anaphylactic reaction, you may want to inform family, health care workers, employers and school personnel about your allergy so they can watch for symptoms and help you avoid your allergy triggers. Above all, make sure to work in partnership with your allergist/immunologist to ensure your safety and health.

What your allergist/immunologist can do?

* Determine if you have had, or are at risk for, anaphylaxis
* Determine what trigger(s) may cause your reaction
* Advise you as to whether or not any medications you are taking might make anaphylactic episodes worse or interfere with treatment and suggest alternatives
* Teach you how to avoid the allergen(s)
* Provide education about recognizing symptoms of an allergic reaction
* Create a written emergency treatment plan for use by you and others
* Offer the most up-to-date therapies to treat and/or prevent reactions

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Anaphylaxis Mechanisms

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

Anaphylaxis is triggered the same way other allergies are: the immune system—which serves as the body’s defense against potentially dangerous substances such as germs—overreacts to a harmless substance (an allergen) and in that process can damage the body. As part of the normal immune response, proteins called antibodies are produced that can detect and help destroy “invaders” in the body. A specific antibody called Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, is responsible for the adverse reactions in people with allergies.

When allergens first enter the body of a person predisposed to allergies, the immune system produces the allergen-specific IgE antibodies. The IgE antibodies attach themselves to the surface of cells called mast cells. The next time that allergic individual comes into contact with the allergen, the IgE identifies it and quickly initiates the release of chemicals - such as histamine - from the mast cells. These potent chemicals cause the symptoms seen in allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.

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What is Anaphylaxis?

Monday, September 22nd, 2008

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that may involve the entire body. It can result in trouble breathing, loss of consciousness and even death. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment, and later follow up care by an allergist/immunologist.

Anaphylaxis can occur in some people after they are exposed to a substance to which they are severely allergic. The most common substances that trigger anaphylaxis are foods, medications, and insect stings. It has been estimated that up to 15% of the population is at risk for anaphylaxis.

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Treating Allergies and Understanding Them

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

More than 20% of the adults and children in the United States are affected by allergies. That means millions of people are affected yearly. These maladies can affect people at various times during their life and during different seasons as well, depending on the cause of the reaction.

Numerous sources can cause people to suffer with an allergic reaction. Some of the common sources of allergies include: pollen, mold, dust mites, and food. If you suspect that you may have an allergy, your doctor may be able to find out exactly what you are allergic to and the best treatment for you.

If you think you are suffering from an allergy related problem, consult your physician to be sure. He will be able to tell you what your allergy is and the best option for your treatment.

In general, allergies are inherited. If either parent or both had allergies, then we may have them too. However, just because dad had an allergy to mold, doesn’t mean your allergy will also be to mold. It does mean that you will stand a far greater chance of having some type of allergy, because dad had one.

Allergies may be the result of the way your body copes with certain substances. Being around elements such as mold or pollen may cause the body to react in an unusual way.

Visible results of an allergic reaction may be: watery eyes, hives, itching, or trouble breathing. If the body’s itching should change to swelling or pain and vomiting, immediate help is required. You may be suffering from anaphylaxis.

Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants prescribed by your doctor can treat most allergies. If you enforce some lifestyle changes, such as removal of pets or dusting your home more frequently, your exposure to allergens can be greatly diminished.

Sometimes, these methods you have tried don’t work; then, shots may become necessary to help with the allergies. This type of treatment is known as immunotherapy. The shots allow you to remain free of symptoms. For many, the shots present a “cure.” Check with your doctor, if you think that you may indeed have an allergy. You will discover many methods to living an allergy-free life.

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Understand and Treat Allergies

Sunday, June 15th, 2008

More than 20% of the adults and children in the United States are affected by allergies. That means millions of people are affected yearly. These maladies can affect people at various times during their life and during different seasons as well, depending on the cause of the reaction.

There are numerous reasons people experience allergy attacks. Pollen, dust mites, food, and mold are just a few of the culprits.

Since allergies can be inherited, you may suffer from them if either parent has had them. But, just because your mother’s allergy is dust, does not mean that your allergy will also be dust. The allergy you receive may take a different form, you may be allergic to mold.

The genetic link is whether you develop an allergy or not, due to your parent’s history. Having a reaction to a certain substance may indeed just be because your immune system is weak. People may have a weak immune system due to infection or pregnancy.

If your body’s immune system is reacting unusually to a foreign substance, you may be experiencing an allergy. Coming in contact with mold or pollen will trigger the immune system and it will behave as though these substances are harmful. Results from this contact may include: watery eyes, hives, itching, and trouble breathing.

Visible results of an allergic reaction may be: watery eyes, hives, itching, or trouble breathing. If the body’s itching should change to swelling or pain and vomiting, immediate help is required. You may be suffering from anaphylaxis.

Lifestyle changes also help reduce your exposure to allergens. Removing pets from the home and keeping your home free of dust, may allow your allergy problem to subside.

The majority of allergies can be treated by your doctor. By using antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays, most of your symptoms can be diverted. When you also add lifestyle changes, such as keeping pets out of the home, dusting more frequently, or stop smoking, the allergies do tend to subside. However, if your allergies persist, your doctor might recommend some immunotherapy, known as allergy shots.

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Peanut Allergies - Most Life Threatening Food Allergy

Saturday, April 26th, 2008

Well, what is Peanut Allergies? According to health studies Peanut Allergies can be defined as an allergic reaction to peanuts, which is the number one cause of anaphylaxis, popularly known as the most life threatening allergic reaction.

Peanut allergies are caused by the body’s hypersensitive response to a substance when one eats peanuts or peanut particles and oils. Some of these are peanut butter, expressed peanut oil, mixed nuts, arachis oil, groundnut oil, hydrolyzed plant and vegetable protein and natural flavoring. There are also many foods that contain peanut as their ingredient which include: breakfast cereals, crackers, biscuits, ice cream, desserts, nutrition and energy bars, curry sauce, candies, salad dressings, vegetarian dishes, soups and topical ointments.

Anyone can have peanut allergies. But according to health surveys it is more seen among children. There are several signs and symptoms on how to identify if one has peanut allergies. Symptoms of peanut allergies range from mild to severe. When one has a mild reaction to the said allergies the most common signs are you get stomachache, runny nose, a skin rash, hives or urticaria and if you feel thrilling sensation in your lips and tongue. On the other hand if you’re allergies become severe here are the most common symptoms. There is urinary frequency, hypotension or what we call low blood pressure, inflammation of the brain, flushed appearance, night blindness, sudden swelling of the neck , lips, face and throat, vomiting, erectile dysfunction and frequent itching all over your body, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, diarrhea, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

So when one feels any of these symptoms it’s very important to have an abrupt treatment. It’s better to be diagnosed by your family physician to be able to know if your allergies need a serious treatment. Usually, doctors always conduct a skin test to the patient by injecting a peanut extract to know if there will be swelling or redness which indicates allergic reaction. Afterwards the physician will conduct a blood test to identify antibodies which corresponds to a peanut allergy sample that can be found in the patients sample blood. And to make the diagnosis more effective the physician will conduct a blind food challenge tests which and determines the cause of the food allergy. Lastly is the elimination diet. It is a process wherein peanuts are removed from the patient’s diet for weeks. This method will help physicians to determine if allergic reactions continue and persist.

Now as an individual, it’s very important to have enough information on how to prevent peanut allergies. The most general prevention is avoidance of peanut in your diet. Make sure that when you buy anything that is eaten always to read the labels to be able to know if the products you buy are peanut free.

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