You are here: Home / Archives for anaphylaxis

The Reactions of OPA (Ortho Phthalaldehyde) Anaphylaxis

May 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Allergies are common results of the immune system’s hypersensitivity.  Among the various allergies that is considered serious and fatal is OPA Anaphylaxis.  OPA is represented by the formula C6H4(CHO)2 with the medical term Ortho Phthalaldehyde , a chemical used to disinfect medical instruments.   Once exposed to this chemical, it can cause allergic sensitivity just like being exposed to other allergens whether it be insect bite allergies (bee sting), drug allergies (morphine, aspirin) or food allergies.  Pollen grains when inhaled can also cause anaphylaxis but it is very rare.  Anaphylactic reactions sometimes occur without any cause  whatsoever.

OPA Anaphylaxis can be experienced in any body part immediately upon exposure to the allergen, and in minutes can progress to the entire body system.  The symptoms are diarrhea, rapid pulse, nausea, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, slurred speech and redness of the skin.  Swelling of the eyes and throat will be prominent, moreso with itching up to fainting.

Anaphylaxis must be dealt with urgency.  Get medical attention from specialists and do not wait for more serious signs before doing so.  Try your very best to avoid the kind of allergen that have caused your allergy earlier, whether it is from food, insect bites or medicines.  For food allergies, check labels if you are allergic to some of their ingredients.  For those who are hypersensitive to allergic reactions, make your medicines handy in a medical kit (oral, injectible meds) wherever you go.  A warning though, is to refrain from using your injectibles to other people.

First Aid to Anaphylaxis Patients

If the patient has a handy medicine kit, help inject and totally avoid oral medicines for patients who cannot breath comfortably.  Let the patient lie down with feet up around one foot high and keep the body warm.  Discomfort means this position is not advisable at all.   Pillows must not be used to avoid blocking of air passage.  Simply scrape stinger in a bee sting victim.  Never use tweezers, just a flat and hard object or fingernail will suffice.  The worst complications are shock, cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Tips on some causes of Anaphylaxis are meat tenderizers, nuts, shellfish and other seafood, measles and flu vaccines, insulin, thyroid hormones, Latex, aspirin, penicillin and more.  Exercise and colds can also generate anaphylaxis to some people.

Epinephrine injections can fight histamine reactions.  The insertion of a tracheostomy tube can be administered to patients who have difficulty in breathing.   Intravenous fluids for replacements are as important as oxygen to fight off the harmful allergen reactions.  For rashes and other skin allergies, antihistamines can be taken orally.

Never take allergies for granted.  Serious OPA anaphylaxis can lead to a terminal case.  At first, allergies may be mild and ordinary for you, but if it is overlooked, it may worsen and become unmanageable.  It is better to act sooner to avoid further physical and financial constraints.   Better to treat the problem as it arises to save time, effort and eliminate severe pain.  Getting prompt medical attention, moreso, a complete and early medical treatment means total recovery.

Filed Under: anaphylaxis Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Autoimmune Toxicity and Anaphylaxis

March 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Autoimmune toxicity and anaphylaxis are conditions which can be fatal when left untreated. It is important for those who are affected with these two diseases to know about them as much as possible.

Autoimmune Toxicity

Autoimmune toxicity is a term used to refer to a condition wherein the body attacks itself due to toxicity. There are many kinds of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. Recently, it was established that mercury toxicity is now considered as an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune toxicity caused by mercury is usually caused by dental fillings or amalgams, vaccines and fish consumption. Dental fillings or amalgams are the most common cause of mercury toxicity because amalgams contain mercury. For instance, amalgams which turns black after some time probably contain 50% mercury. What people need to remember is that mercury is the most toxic non-radioactive element. Signs and symptoms of mercury toxicity include neurological symptoms such as tremors, depression and memory loss. Other symptoms include dental and oral problems such as bleeding gums, foul breath and tongue sores. Mercury toxicity can also cause food allergies, constipation, heart arrhythmias, hear and chest pains, endocarditis and skin rashes.

Mercury toxicity is an emergency situation and the treatment also depends on the signs and symptoms. Gastric lavage can be done when the person ingested organic forms of mercury but if the mercury is its inorganic form, do not induce emesis. Whole bowel irrigation and activated charcoal are used to clean the gastrointestinal tract. Hemodialysis is also used in severe cases when mercury toxicity affected the renal function. Because of the dangers caused by mercury toxicity as evidenced by many studies done in different countries, many governments are doing their part in preventing mercury toxicity. For instance, mercury amalgams are banned in countries such as Denmark and Germany.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which involves the whole body and it can lead to death. Anaphylaxis happens when an allergen enters the system. Anaphylaxis can be caused by food allergens, drug allergies and insect bites. When the body reacts to an allergen, it releases histamines and other substances which lead to the development of the different signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Some of the symptoms include abdominal pain, respiratory distress, anxiety, fainting, hives, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech and palpitations. Anaphylaxis is life threatening because the histamine can cause the airways to tighten which will block oxygen from entering the body.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency so it is very important to seek medical help immediately. Emergency care should be given such as CPR and emergency drugs such as epinephrine (epipen). It is also important to keep the person calm and steps should be taken to prevent anaphylactic shock. In the hospital, antihistamines and other medications are given to treat the different signs and symptoms. Sometimes emergency surgery is also done. It is important for those who have severe allergies to prevent exposure to allergens which cause their allergies. It is also necessary to carry your emergency drug with you at all times and you should also learn how to inject it properly.

Filed Under: anaphylaxis Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shock in Horses Known as Equine Anaphylactic Shock

February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Horses just like humans can also suffer from anaphylaxis which can lead to their death. There are many kinds of anaphylaxis, one of which is anaphylactic shock wherein vasodilation or widening of the blood vessels occur which leads to low blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock can also cause bronchoconstriction wherein individuals cannot breathe which can lead to death. Equine anaphylactic shock is usually caused by drugs and vaccines injected to the horse. Sometimes, some horses can also be allergic to some food and they can also develop allergic reactions to insect bites.

Just like in humans, equine anaphylactic shock can also lead to the death of a horse when untreated immediately. In addition, a second exposure to an allergen can cause equine anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock symptoms in horses include mild signs such as the development of an abscess or a lump at the vaccination site, hives or urticaria and skin irritation. Anaphylactic shock in horses can also lead to bronchial constriction, hypotension because of vasodilation and pulmonary edema.

Other signs include sweating, difficulty of breathing, sudden swelling of the skin and sometimes equine anaphylactic shock can also cause colic and laminitis. The anaphylactic shock can lasts from minutes to hours and the reaction also vary. Some horses can die immediately while others can survive especially when treated immediately. Some horse owners are unaware that their horse is allergic and some are not familiar with the different horse diseases and symptoms. When this is the case, the horse owners often ignore the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock in horse. They only realize that there is something wrong with the horse when the horse becomes violent.

By then, in most cases, it is already too late to do anything to save the horse. Veterinarians recommend horse owners especially those who own expensive horses to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Additionally, they should have an emergency kit available at all times. For mild anaphylactic shock, epinephrine can be given. Drugs such as dexamethasone can also be given to treat hives and inflammations. In severe cases where the horse has difficulty breathing an emergency tracheotomy can be done by the veterinarian.

Veterinarians and horse owners often carry emergency medical kits with epinephrine and dexamethasone as a precautionary measure for sudden anaphylaxis. No matter how prepared veterinarians are they still prefer preventing the occurrence of anaphylaxis which is why they strongly recommend horse owners to become familiar with their horses’ medical history, allergies, vaccination schedules and medical problems. When buying a horse, make sure that the medical records of the horse goes with the horse so that you can be prepared. This is especially true for race horses because they are often sold many times.

Furthermore, horse owners should do their best to be educated about anaphylaxis especially if their horse has a history of anaphylactic shock. Becoming familiar with the different signs and symptoms of equine anaphylactic shock specifically the mild ones is also important because they are often neglected.

Filed Under: anaphylaxis Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Dangers of Exercise Induced Food Dependant Anaphylaxis

February 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

While it is true that exercise helps keep the body healthy, the activity could lead to some negative effects especially when taking in food that induces anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a condition where there is a hypersensitive reaction of the body to certain food or chemicals that can lead to death. By knowing these facts, it is then necessary to learn what exercise induced food dependent anaphylaxis is not good for the health.

When taken for granted and the person inflicted with such allergy continues with his physical activities, this can lead to more severe effects like hypotension, collapse of the cardiovascular sysyem, latyngeal edema and angioedema.

Exercise induced food dependent anaphylaxis is one of the most uncommon forms of allergies after getting involved with rigorous and vigorous physical activities such as bicycling, tennis, soccer and horseback riding. This is triggered when the body reacts to actually harmless substances that may vary from dairies, eggs, nuts or even some kinds of edible oil.

The effect of exercise induced food dependent anaphylaxis manifests after minutes or short hours after ingesting anaphylactic foods. A few of the most common sources of exercise induced food dependent anaphylaxis are cereals, tomatoes and nuts.

Anaphylaxis occurs after doing some exercises few minutes after taking a meal that includes some anaphylactic food. When one suffers from exercise induced food dependent anaphylaxis, it is important that you immediately see a doctor since the symptoms usually fade away but goes back after few hours.

Some of the known symptoms for anaphylaxis allergies are as follows:

- In breathing: short breath, hoarseness in voice, chest pains, congestion, difficulty in swallowing and coughing

- In the Skin: presence of itchiness, red rashes, swelling and hives

- In blood circulation: low blood pressure, unconsciousness, low pulse, pale skin color and dizziness.

- In the Stomach: diarrhea, nausea, profuse sweating, pruritus, dysphasia and cramps

Other anaphylactic shock symptoms include headache, anxiety and itchy and or watery red eyes.

Again, exercise induced food dependent anaphylaxis could be fatal so when you experience the mentioned symptoms, have no second thoughts seeing a doctor.

What should be done then when one experiences such condition? If you have taken a drug that reduced the pains or the symptoms of the allergens then don’t be too confident yet. Remember that the side effects may disappear but would still manifest after few hours so when the drug you have taken has made you feel better then get medical treatment still; especially an allergist. When your allergist prescribes you a drug especially if it is an allergy shot, you should educate yourself when and how to use it.

Another wise thing to do is letting the people you live or work with about your allergy so when the allergy and its symptoms recur, they would know what to do in case you can’t manage the condition yourself.

There are a number of kinds of allergies and each one of them is treated differently. A treatment that works for a certain allergy may work for some but not to others. Therefore, never self-medicate to reduce the pains and effects of allergies. Being educated with exercise induced food dependent anaphylaxis will keep you away from any form of allergy fatality.

Filed Under: anaphylaxis Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Protamine Anaphylaxis BNP : What You Need To Know

January 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Allergic reactions to drugs are one of the adverse effects of drugs that doctors and nurses always look for every time they administer any drug to their patients. Watching for any allergic reaction to a drug is very important because allergic reactions can lead to death. Protamine sulfate is one of the drugs which can cause severe allergic reaction such as protamine anaphylaxis bnp. The antigen-antibody reaction to protamine sulfate can lead to a type I anaphylactic reaction which can be lethal when it is not treated immediately. This is the reason why many doctors and other medical experts join continuing medical education conferences so that they can come up with better and effective ways to deal with the problem.

Protamine sulfate is a drug which is used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of the drug heparin. It is usually given after vascular and cardiac procedures. The drug heparin is used to prevent the development of blood clots. Heparin is also administered to patients who have deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and other diseases. Furthermore heparin is given to patients with blood clots in different parts of their body such as blood clots in legs and blood clots in the lung.

For patients who are receiving heparin, heparin antagonist such as protamine sulfate because there is always the danger of heparin overdose which can lead to hematological complications.  However, the administration of protamine sulfate should also be monitored carefully because over dosage can also lead to protamine anaphylaxis bnp which is another medical emergency. People who are allergic to fish, diabetics who are insulin-dependent, men who have undergone vasectomy and diabetics who have been exposed to protamine zinc insulin. The signs and symptoms of this health issue include bronchospams, reduced systemic vascular resistance, occasional flushing and edema of the mucosa, skin and viscera.

Other signs include reduced pulmonary arterial hypotension, systemic hypotension, right ventricular dilation and reduced left ventricular filling pressure. Allergic reactions to protamine sulfate may vary depending on several factors such as the amount of protamine sulfate received and the condition of the person. As an added precautionary measure, protamine sulfate should not be given to pregnant women and nursing mothers unless a physician says otherwise.

All medical practitioners especially nurses and doctors should be very aware of the dangers of protamine sulfate over dosage. Since protamine anaphylaxis can lead to death, patients who received protamine sulfate should be monitored carefully for any signs and symptoms. Patients who are receiving protamine sulfate should be educated properly so that they can become aware of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions to protamine. Hospitals employees should always be prepared for any emergency especially severe allergic attacks to medications because they can escalate quickly to anaphylaxis which is life threatening.

It is also important to explain the adverse effects of protamine sulfate to patients who will receive protamine sulfate or those who are undergoing heparin therapy. Fortunately, due to advance medical equipments and researches done by many experts the dangers presented by protamine anaphylaxis bnp and other severe allergic reactions can be reversed when treated properly and immediately.

Filed Under: anaphylaxis Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Shocking Truth About Allergy and Anaphylaxis Zantac

December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

An allergy, which is in its severe form called anaphylaxis, can be deadly. Anaphylaxis is the involvement of the entire bodily functions while an allergic agent provokes the body’s immune response, causing the body to shutdown. If treated promptly with antihistamines like anaphylaxis zantac, the body can get immediate relief.

Anaphylaxis usually occurs when you have been exposed to a certain substance before which your body would detect as something foreign. Your body will create a sensitivity reaction to these substances. These substances are called allergen. Your body will not have any dramatic changes or reactions from your initial contact with the allergen because your body is still in the “getting to know” phase. But once your body recognizes these allergens as something alien, your body will store it in memory, resulting to a dramatic anaphylactic attack on your next contact with the allergen. People with asthma or hay fever are more likely to develop these sensitizations against allergic substances.

Anaphylactic triggers can be found in almost anything. It can be a flower, food and food additives, vegetable, fruit, insect stings, drugs or medications (whether prescribed or purchased over the counter), transfusion of blood and its components, dye, rubber and latex, and there are still others. A contact with any of these triggers can start an anaphylactic reaction.

Manifestations of anaphylaxis can start within just minutes from the contact. Some can develop hives and other forms of skin allergies that cause severe itching and discomfort. A person can also develop a generalized edema and redness of the skin and face. A person may also feel anxiety, confusion and a tingling sensation which are usually the first indications of a pending attack. It can cause spasm and swelling of the airways resulting to dyspnea or severe difficulty in breathing. Other respiratory difficulties are manifested by hoarseness of voice, nasal congestion and sneezing. Shock can also result from the severe dilation of blood vessels that leading to a dramatic decrease in blood pressure. If any of these symptoms occur, you have to act as quickly as possible. These are life threatening events that require prompt medical intervention. A person having an anaphylactic reaction needs to be brought immediately to the hospital for proper medication and a close watch by the medical team.

Treating Allergies

Medications are given and in most cases, an epi pens or epinephrine is given immediately to constrict the blood vessels and remove shock. Epinephrine is very efficient and acts rapidly. Other medications are sometimes combined to double its efficacy. Some of this is the combination of an H1 and H2 receptor blockers. An example of this is diphenhydramine bendaryl and anaphylaxis zantac or ranitidine. Both H1 and H2 receptor blockers are antihistamines and act by decreasing the signs and symptoms of the allergic reaction. And still, some physicians would prescribe corticosteroids that would alleviate the recurrence of the anaphylactic allergy.

However, being cautious and careful with your surroundings is the best treatment against an anaphylactic allergy.  Avoid anything that can trigger an attack. Be watchful. Antihistamines like anaphylaxis zantac or epinephrine are really good medications but still prevention is always better than cure.

Filed Under: anaphylaxis Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Causes, Effects and Symptoms of ADHD Caffeine Anaphylaxis

December 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ADHD Caffeine Anaphylaxis-  What Is It?

Caffeine anaphylaxis is one condition that has been affecting a lot of individuals all over the world. Although this doesn’t seem like a serious condition, caffeine anaphylaxis is actually dangerous to individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Caffeine anaphylaxis on an ADHD patient causes poisoning of the patient’s brain. The condition also generates repetitive obsessive behavior noted in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which studies show, can largely affect people diagnosed with ADHD.

Following are the causes, effects and symptoms of caffeine anaphylaxis.

Causes

Allergic reactions to caffeine have a similarity to substance use and abuse. The more your caffeine intake increases, the higher your tolerance becomes for it. And as your tolerance keeps on increasing, you don’t notice that there is already an excessive amount of caffeine infiltrating your body. Eventually, this leads to obverse body reactions which trigger symptoms that are similar to mental disorders to occur.

Effects

Most types of allergies have adverse effects on the body but it is different with caffeine allergy. The effect takes place not only on the body but mostly on the mind. Upon ingestion of caffeine, your nerves and cells are targeted to trigger excessive release of adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin and other similar chemicals. When this happens, the allergic person tends to act or react repulsively to the surrounding and situations.

Symptoms

Some of the physical symptoms of caffeine allergy include chest pains, rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulties and hyperventilation. These signs are similar to the symptoms of anaphylaxis. The other signs of allergy may also include spells of dizziness, restlessness, fluctuating moods, lack of focus, anxious feelings, among others.

It is also possible for a person allergic to caffeine to experience delusion and other frantic behaviors. When these symptoms occur, observers tend to think that the affected person is suffering from depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, bipolar disorders and other psychological disorders with similar symptoms to the allergic reactions.

Caffeine anaphylaxis paralyzes higher cerebral function most especially of ADHD patients.  The condition can also lead to cerebral vasculitis, and  the breakdown of the blood brain barrier.

During the first stage of caffeine anaphylaxis, the patient will manifest deterioration of intellect. Other signs include lack of comprehension, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, disorganized thought processes, failing memory and other mental abnormalities.

Some of the foods and beverages containing caffeine are chocolate, coffee, soft drinks and tea. If you’re beginning to experience the symptoms mentioned, it is advised that you watch what you eat or drink as well as seek a medical professional for advice and treatment.  You physician can help you identify the symptoms properly and advice you a diet to help you get rid of your habit of caffeine intake.

Quitting caffeine may be a one of the hardest thing to do for a person addicted to it. However, the best way to avoid caffeine anaphylaxis is to remove food that contains caffeine from the diet. There are also ongoing studies for new adhd caffeine anaphylaxis treatments so it is best to keep yourself informed and updated.

Filed Under: anaphylaxis Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,