free health information visit : gjnrfamilyfriendsblog.blogspot.com
Thursday, 23 June 2011
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Monday, 20 June 2011
Friday, 17 June 2011
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Allergies
The Allergy Anaphylaxis : The most serious allergic reactions involve the entire body. An anaphylactic reaction can be triggered by exposure to any allergen through inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin contact. It is a severe, rapidly developing, fatal allergic reaction. An estimated 1.21% to 15.04% of the American population are at risk for anaphylaxis and causes around 400-800 deaths annually. If left untreated, the condition may lead to shock or even death.
Mechanism of the Reaction
The most severe of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. Upon the initial exposure of a person to an allergen, the body automatically produces antibodies that are specifically matched to the foreign agents. These antibodies called IgE antibodies bind to the surface of the mast cell found in connective tissues and a type of white blood cell called basophils.
Anaphylaxis is mediated when this foreign antigen (allergen) is re-introduced into the body, and binds to a specific IgE. Within minutes or even seconds, this triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that result into smooth muscle spasms, narrowing of the airway, edema, and eventually circulatory collapse.
Anaphylaxis is triggered by various allergens that a person may be sensitive to. Common causes are:
* Foods— nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, soy, wheat
* Medications— antibiotics, allopurinol, iodine-based contrast agents, anesthesia, vaccines, hormones, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
* Other biologic agents— tetanus antitoxin, snake venom antitoxin, antigens for skin testing
* Insect stings— bees, wasps, hornets, ants
* Latex—medical and nonmedical paraphernalia
The time elapsed upon the exposure to the antigen to the onset of symptoms would help indicate the severity of the reaction. Mild reactions range from itching, sneezing, tearing of the eyes, to nasal congestion and puffiness around the eyes than begins within the first 2 hours of exposure to the antigen, while moderate reactions include generalized flushing and feeling of warmth. Severe reactions occur abruptly and rapidly progresses to swelling of the throat that could possibly lead to the constriction of airways or even blockage. Cardiac arrest and coma may follow.
What Your Doctor Can Do For You
Severe allergic reaction may take place rapidly, thus, it is important to seek professional help. Signs and symptoms are evaluated by the physician before rendering appropriate intervention. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. In addition, the patient may need to be tested for allergies, and be taken some blood samples to rule out any other condition.
Emergency care is needed in cases of anaphylaxis. The severity is first evaluated, followed by the respiratory and cardiac status. In cases of cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is started. Oxygen is administered in high concentrations to prevent brain damage. And intubation may further be instituted as necessary.
Epinephrine, the primary drug for anaphylaxis, is administered in very low concentrations into the subcutaneous tissue of the upper thigh. EpiPen is a handy autoinjector of premeasured doses of epinephrine. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be given to relieve symptoms of inflammation and also to prevent recurrence. Bronchodilators like aminophylline helps improve the airway function. Further treatment includes drugs that improve the vascular status. The patient is closely monitored on the first 12 hours.
What You Can Do
Strict avoidance of potential allergens is an important preventive measure. If avoidance is impossible, an emergency kit containing epinephrine should always be available. Once you suspect an allergic reaction with the signs mentioned, call 911 for medical help. Assess the breathing and cardiac condition of the patient, and administer CPR. People with recognized allergy reactions should wear some form of identification such as a Medic Alert bracelet. Those who’ve had mild to moderate reactions should also seek medical help. If you don’t, you may be missing out on a treatment that may of great help and perhaps save your life.
Mechanism of the Reaction
The most severe of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. Upon the initial exposure of a person to an allergen, the body automatically produces antibodies that are specifically matched to the foreign agents. These antibodies called IgE antibodies bind to the surface of the mast cell found in connective tissues and a type of white blood cell called basophils.
Anaphylaxis is mediated when this foreign antigen (allergen) is re-introduced into the body, and binds to a specific IgE. Within minutes or even seconds, this triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that result into smooth muscle spasms, narrowing of the airway, edema, and eventually circulatory collapse.
Anaphylaxis is triggered by various allergens that a person may be sensitive to. Common causes are:
* Foods— nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, soy, wheat
* Medications— antibiotics, allopurinol, iodine-based contrast agents, anesthesia, vaccines, hormones, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
* Other biologic agents— tetanus antitoxin, snake venom antitoxin, antigens for skin testing
* Insect stings— bees, wasps, hornets, ants
* Latex—medical and nonmedical paraphernalia
The time elapsed upon the exposure to the antigen to the onset of symptoms would help indicate the severity of the reaction. Mild reactions range from itching, sneezing, tearing of the eyes, to nasal congestion and puffiness around the eyes than begins within the first 2 hours of exposure to the antigen, while moderate reactions include generalized flushing and feeling of warmth. Severe reactions occur abruptly and rapidly progresses to swelling of the throat that could possibly lead to the constriction of airways or even blockage. Cardiac arrest and coma may follow.
What Your Doctor Can Do For You
Severe allergic reaction may take place rapidly, thus, it is important to seek professional help. Signs and symptoms are evaluated by the physician before rendering appropriate intervention. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. In addition, the patient may need to be tested for allergies, and be taken some blood samples to rule out any other condition.
Emergency care is needed in cases of anaphylaxis. The severity is first evaluated, followed by the respiratory and cardiac status. In cases of cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is started. Oxygen is administered in high concentrations to prevent brain damage. And intubation may further be instituted as necessary.
Epinephrine, the primary drug for anaphylaxis, is administered in very low concentrations into the subcutaneous tissue of the upper thigh. EpiPen is a handy autoinjector of premeasured doses of epinephrine. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be given to relieve symptoms of inflammation and also to prevent recurrence. Bronchodilators like aminophylline helps improve the airway function. Further treatment includes drugs that improve the vascular status. The patient is closely monitored on the first 12 hours.
What You Can Do
Strict avoidance of potential allergens is an important preventive measure. If avoidance is impossible, an emergency kit containing epinephrine should always be available. Once you suspect an allergic reaction with the signs mentioned, call 911 for medical help. Assess the breathing and cardiac condition of the patient, and administer CPR. People with recognized allergy reactions should wear some form of identification such as a Medic Alert bracelet. Those who’ve had mild to moderate reactions should also seek medical help. If you don’t, you may be missing out on a treatment that may of great help and perhaps save your life.
Allergies
Water Allergy : Almost all life forms depend on water. Man himself is composed mainly of water and couldn’t even survive for a week without water intake. What will happen if a person becomes allergic to water?
What you should know
There have already been cases of water allergy documented and published in various journals. Water allergy or aquagenic urticaria is an extremely rare case of allergy characterized by intense burning and itching sensation after any contact with water—even with one’s own perspiration.
Water allergy is a very rare skin condition that only 30-40 cases are documented in literature. The mechanism of the condition is not entirely known, but it is thought to be caused by a hypersensitivity to chemicals, minerals, and ions found in water rather than an IgE-mediated allergic reaction. Any form of contact with water—sometimes, even drinking will cause sore, rashes to appear and lasting for a few minutes to several hours. The type and temperature of the water may also cause some differences in the symptoms, with tap water being the most common offender. One prominent story of aquagenic urticaria is the case of an Australian teenage girl who unfortunately caught the disorder at the age of 14. The histamine levels in her body went berserk after a heavy dose of penicillin. Now, a small drop of water causes her to break out in painful hives and welts all over. In some cases, drinking water can cause swelling of the throat.
Medical practitioners haven’t yet found a cure for water allergy than to avoid water at all cost. The person should avoid humid conditions, rain, even their own tears and sweat. Taking a shower should not take long, and if possible, they should omit doing so. Antihistamines could provide helpful relief. Other options include capsaicin cream (Zostrix) to relieve the pain, and ultraviolet phototherapy.
What you should know
There have already been cases of water allergy documented and published in various journals. Water allergy or aquagenic urticaria is an extremely rare case of allergy characterized by intense burning and itching sensation after any contact with water—even with one’s own perspiration.
Water allergy is a very rare skin condition that only 30-40 cases are documented in literature. The mechanism of the condition is not entirely known, but it is thought to be caused by a hypersensitivity to chemicals, minerals, and ions found in water rather than an IgE-mediated allergic reaction. Any form of contact with water—sometimes, even drinking will cause sore, rashes to appear and lasting for a few minutes to several hours. The type and temperature of the water may also cause some differences in the symptoms, with tap water being the most common offender. One prominent story of aquagenic urticaria is the case of an Australian teenage girl who unfortunately caught the disorder at the age of 14. The histamine levels in her body went berserk after a heavy dose of penicillin. Now, a small drop of water causes her to break out in painful hives and welts all over. In some cases, drinking water can cause swelling of the throat.
Medical practitioners haven’t yet found a cure for water allergy than to avoid water at all cost. The person should avoid humid conditions, rain, even their own tears and sweat. Taking a shower should not take long, and if possible, they should omit doing so. Antihistamines could provide helpful relief. Other options include capsaicin cream (Zostrix) to relieve the pain, and ultraviolet phototherapy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)