ANAPHYLAXIS

Imagine this situation…………..
You are on a date, watching a movie or a game………….when your date pops
a handful of nuts into his/her mouth………..
The next thing you know………….he/she breaks out in hives, starts
scratching everywhere, turns red and may start gasping for breaths……….

Though it may seem severe and far fetched, " ANAPHYLAXIS" may occur in
upto 15% of the population (United states data).

Simply put, its an allergy of massive proportions and may terminate fatally.

In non scientific terms, the body's immune system becomes over
protective and identifies a potentially harmless substance like a
peanut as a dangerous invader. The IgE immunoglobulin, a component of
the immune system, activated by the offending nut; attaches to
certain cells in our body. This releases chemicals like histamine.

Once this happens the effects are seen. It so happens that these
special cells (mast cells) are highest in number in the skin, in the
intestinal and respiratory linings……….hence the skin turns red and
swollen, hives appear, diarrhea starts, wheezing, breathing
difficulties set in.
In its most severe form, the blood pressure drops, leading to shock
and if untreated, death.

WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION??
Virtually anything; but food allergies to nuts( peanuts, walnuts),
sea food, milk, eggs, soy are the commonest. Others include bee
stings, antibiotics ( penicillins), agents used for anesthesia etc.

You recognize this condition by its rapidity, typical features and
common history of eating any of the foods mentioned above or following
a bee sting.

Since this is an emergency, medical care is a must. However, removal
of the allergen, basic cpr measures, laying the person flat are some
of the intelligent measures one could do.

Administering adrenaline terminates the episode…and in fact people
prone for anaphylaxis could be taught to administer this drug.

Education is of utmost value………and do remember, prevention is better
than cure…….so its always better not to yield to temptation and regret
later……………….( if you are allergic to certain foods that is!! )

--
(hitr@