With  summer upon us, we need to look at anaphylactic shock  that is caused by food allergies and bee stings.

Anaphylaxis is a fast occurring allergic reaction that involves the whole body. The allergic reaction can cause difficulty in breathing, hives and death.  An allergic reaction is the body’s response to the invading allergen.   

I have been stung by a bee before and never had a reaction?

For anaphylaxis shock to occur you must have been exposed to something in the past. While growing up on the farm, I have been stung many times by bees and wasps. After I turned 30 I was stung by a wasp and had an allergic reaction.  I am now required to carry and epi kit with me when I am outside.  Don’t assume that because you never had an allergic reaction that you never will. Look for the following signs and symptoms and act accordingly.

 

 

What can cause an allergic reaction:

1. Medication,
2. Venom from spiders, snakes and bees
3. Foods
4. Latex or rubber materials

 

What signs and symptoms should I look for:

A)      Difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or airway, Wheezing or chest tightness

B)      Shock or loss of consciousness

C)      Cardiac arrest   

D)     Hives  or skin itchiness

E)      Nasal congestion or sneezing

F)      Irregular heartbeat

G)     Nausea or vomiting

H)     Anxiety

I)        Confusion

 

When should I seek Medical Attention?

 

If having any signs or an allergic reaction you should seek medical attention as soon as possible by calling 911.  It is difficult to judge how severely that person will have an allergic reaction to a known substance. 

 

What should I do while waiting on the ambulance to arrive. The following are not to be used in place of going to the ED. 

1)      Keep calm.

2)      Take one or two capsules of Benadryl

3)      If feeling light headed, lay down  and raise your feet higher than you head to get blood flowing to your brain.

4)      If prescribed and Epi Kit, give yourself the shot.

As summer is upon us I want to take a look at heat exhaustion.  Do you know the sign and symptoms of heat exhaustion?  Who is likely to suffer from heat exhaustion?

 

Heat exhaustion occurs when you are exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time and lack fluids.  Those most prone to heat exhaustion are those who work in the heat for a long period of time, the elderly and those who suffer from high blood pressure.

 

What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

1. Heavy sweating
2. Paleness
3. Muscle cramps
4. Tiredness
5. Weakness
6. Dizziness
7. Headaches
8. Nausea or vomiting
9. Fainting
10. Fast pulse rate
11. Skin will be moist and wet
12. Fast and shallow breathing

 

Should you see these symptoms, put the patient in a cool place and help them to cool off. This can be done by putting the patient in an air conditioned room, give non alcoholic beverages, remove heavy clothing, and apply cool cloths to the wrist and back of neck.   Failure to cool the patient down could lead to heat stroke.  If the above symptoms last longer than 1 hour seek medical attention.