|
Allergic reactions Considerations:
Allergic reactions are fairly common. They occur more often in people with a family history of allergies . Most reactions happen soon after contact with an allergen . Most of these reactions are mild and can be treated at home.
Substances that don't bother most of us (such as venom from bee stings and various foods, medications, and pollens) can trigger allergic reactions in some people. While first time exposure may only produce a mild reaction, repeated exposures may lead to more serious reactions. Once a person is sensitized (has had a previous sensitivity reaction), even a very limited exposure to an allergen can trigger a severe reaction.
Allergic reactions vary. They can be mild or serious. They can be confined to a small area of the body or affect the entire body. Most occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to the allergen, but some can occur after days or weeks.
Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure, PROGRESSES RAPIDLY and can lead to anaphylactic shock and death within 15 minutes if medical intervention is not obtained.
Causes:
Common allergens include - plants
- foods
- medications
- pollens
- bee stings or stings from other insects
- bites
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of mild allergic reactions include: Symptoms that may indicate a moderate or severe reaction include:
Do not:
- DO NOT assume that any allergy shots the victim has already received will provide complete protection.
- DO NOT place a pillow under the victim's head if he or she is having trouble breathing . This can block the airway.
- DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth if the victim is having breathing difficulty .
Call Your Healthcare Provider if:
- the victim's allergic reaction is severe or rapidly worsening (over minutes).
- the victim has a history of severe allergic reactions (check for a medical ID tag).
First Aid:
MILD-TO-MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTION
1. Calm and reassure the victim; anxiety can increase the severity of a reaction.
2. Try to identify the allergen and have the victim avoid further contact with it. If the allergic reaction is from a honey bee sting , scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail). Do not use tweezers; squeezing the stinger will release more venom.
3. If the victim develops an itchy rash , apply calamine lotion and cool compresses. Avoid lotion with diphenhydramine (Caladryl).
4. Watch the victim for increasing distress.
5. Get medical help. For a mild reaction, a physician may recommend over-the-counter medications (such as antihistamines).
SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION OR ANAPHYLAXIS
1. Check the victim's airway, breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR .
2. Calm and reassure the victim. Anxiety aggravates all reactions.
3. If the allergic reaction is from bee stings , scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as, a fingernail). Do not use tweezers; squeezing the stinger will release more venom.
4. If the victim has emergency allergy medication on hand, assist with injection of the medication. Avoid oral (by mouth) medication if the victim is having difficulty breathing .
5. Take steps to prevent shock . Lay the victim flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. DO NOT place the victim in this position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.
6. If the victim loses consciousness, apply first aid for unconsciousness .
Prevention:
- Observe your children carefully after introducing a new food or medication.
- A medical ID tag should be worn by people who know that they have serious allergic reactions.
Hives (urticaria) on the chest and neck: Urticaria are raised, red, itchy welts. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, parasitosis, malignancy, or other causes.
This picture shows a mild skin reaction. Skin reactions can result from bites, allergies, scrapes, other skin trauma, or can be an outcome of skin testing to determine sensitivity, such as with tuberculosis.
This picture shows a moderate skin reaction. Skin reactions can result from bites, allergies, scrapes, other skin trauma, or can be an outcome of skin testing to determine sensitivity such as with tuberculosis.
This picture shows a moderate to marked skin reaction. Skin reactions can result from bites, allergies, scrapes, other skin trauma, or can be an outcome of skin testing to determine sensitivity such as with tuberculosis.
This person has dermatographism, a condition where welts are readily produced if the skin is lightly scratched.
Dermatographism is a condition where lightly scratching the skin raises wheals or welts. Histamine is released, which causes the small blood vessels (capillaries) to dilate, producing redness and localized swelling.
Dermatographism is a condition where lightly scratching the skin raises wheals or welts. Histamine is released at the site, causing the small blood vessels (capillaries) to dilate, producing redness and localized swelling.
Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts, seen here on the arm. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally, they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.
Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts, seen here on the chest. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.
Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally, they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.
This person has raised, red, itchy welts (urticaria) on the chest and abdomen. The majority of urticaria develop as a result of allergic reactions. Occasionally, they may be associated with autoimmune diseases, infections (parasitosis), drugs, malignancy, or other causes.
In dermatographism, hives are readily produced if the skin is lightly scratched.
|
