Severe Allergic Reactions

Anaphylactic shock can occur without warning; however, it can be preceded by milder cases of allergic reactions. This would constitute a rash or itching after taking a particular medication. This medication should be avoided in the future as more serious reactions can occur. It can also occur with particular foods and many other common flora or fauna.

Anaphylactic shock is the most severe type of allergic reaction in which the body pours histamine into the bloodstream and essentially causes life to cease in order to stop the invading allergen. It can occur without warning and is deadly. The major problem with anaphylactic shock is swelling of the airway. The tongue and surrounding soft tissue may block the airway. The epiglottis, a small flap that covers the trachea becomes inflamed making CPR difficult if not impossible. Many patients are aware of their allergies, such as to bee stings and they counteract this by carrying a kit supplied with an injection of epinephrine. I am not a physician; but, I would advise keeping Benadryl on hand. It is a common antihistamine that can be bought over the counter. Give this medication with the first sign of itching or difficulty breathing. It may not help, but it won't hurt and could buy you some time.

Many people see allergists regularly to receive injections to help them fight their allergies. The person may be allergic to mold, mildew, food stuffs such as peanuts. Bee or wasp stings are common allergens. You don't necessarily become allergic the first time you take a medication or other substance. In the days of wide usage of Procaine Penicillin, I witnessed many allergic reactions in people that had taken Penicillin most of their lives.

During my tenure in the emergency room, one of the many deaths I witnessed involved a 300 pound man who had one tiny honeybee sting on his thigh. That was the cause of his death...anaphylactic shock. The EMT's could do nothing to save him because he was dead on the scene. This incident shocked me into the reality of the importance of allergy education because of such a tiny insult to such a large human being.

If you have chronic difficulty breathing or itching after certain foods or medications; please, contact your professional allergist as soon as possible for testing and prohylacsis which may include a syringe loaded with a specified dose of adrenaline. Your allergist will perform tests on you to determine your specific allergies and may, possibly, be able to give you medication to help control the reaction to your allergen or, the severity of the reaction.