Allergic Reactions:
Recognize Severe Responses

Are we having a food allergy epidemic resulting in an increase in allergic reactions?

During the decades of the 50's and 60's, very few cases of any kind of allergic reactions from food allergies were ever reported. The actual first case described in print did not occur until the year 1969. By the year 1980 to 1990, countries all over the world were reporting a two-fold increase in documented case studies of some common food allergies. That figure by the year 2000 has risen sharply more. Food allergies for emergency room visits is now considered the #1 leading cause of patients being processed in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, France and Australia.

Typical Progression Of Allergy Symptoms

Most allergic reactions start by developing eczema, which is itchy skin commonly called atopic dermatitis. Step 2 proceeds to red welts or hives can develop at any location on the body. Step 3 manifests itself as a form of wheezing from a respiratory infection or from the allergen exposure. And the final stage which is sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose. This group all together is the "Big Four" or better known as eczema, food allergy, asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Role Of The Immune System

These are the thymus gland, the lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow. Each of these have their own purpose in preventing any allergic response. All of these have the capabilities of producing many proteins, cells, and antibodies which do protect us from foreign substances which enter the body. The immune system therefore protects us from viruses, bacteria, parasites and allergens etc. Therefore, these four are responsible for preventing any allergic reactions. A "break down in the system" then leads to an allergic reaction.

Signs And Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction

Initially many people state they felt this "funny feeling in their mouth". As the typical progression outlined above starts, many people will lead on to a mild to moderate case of intestinal discomfort (includes abdominal cramps and diarrhea) all the way up to anaphylaxis.

How Do I Decide If I Need Epinephrine

Remember two things though, any kind of delay or hesitancy in the use of the Epi-Pen can actually lead to a fatality if it actually is an anaphylactic reaction. Second, there is no contra-indications on usage of the Epi-Pen. Do not waste your time worrying about the results "if he really didn't need it". There is no situation where using it is going to create more problems than not. After injection, just get medical attention as soon as possible. Most fatal reactions occur because people have delayed the injection or not given it at all.

How To Handle Any Acute Allergic Reactions

• Call 911 as soon as possible.

• Depending on your location, call the school nurse, manager or owner of the restaurant,or any person in authority, especially if they are familiar with emergency procedure

• Check symptoms, airway, respiratory rate and pulse

• If more than the skin is involved(hives), administer Benadryl and an auto-injectable epinephrine (Epi-Pen)dose. If the victim is capable, help them self-administer.

• If the victim has asthma (they will show extreme signs of breathing difficulties, wheezing etc.), and the medication is present on their possessions, administer their asthma rescue medication

• If the victim has collapsed, elevate their legs, do not let them sit up

• Monitor the vital signs, every few minutes check their breathing for the severe signs of any asthma symptoms and keep checking their pulse rate continuously

• Administer CPR if necessary

• Contact any parent, friend, relative and their physician asap.

• Transfer any person treated with an Epi-Pen to a medical facility ASAP.

Sourced from the book: On The Nature Of Food Allergy by Paul J. Hannaway M.D.

Obviously, no one hopes to ever be placed in the position of responsibility where another human being is dependent on you for their very life. But by using your instincts and staying calm, also by following the steps outlined above, you will be able to break the chain of events that can rapidly create some life threatening allergic reactions.

New Design:Easier To Use
A practicing MD, Dr. Thomas Beller has for years seen the increasing incidences of allergic reactions to common food and insect allergens. Being the founder of TCB Medical Devices, his ambition was to design a new auto-injectable epi-pen which the patient was more comfortable carrying along with them and easier to use in case a stranger has to step up and help with treatment.Going through the process of acceptance by the FDA right now, the outlook looks bright for the new design to be able to be marketed to the general public before the end of the year 2010.