ALLERGIC REACTIONS Under normal conditions, your immune system acts to defend the body against foreign substances or antigens. The immune system uses antibodies, white blood cells, mast cells and other substances. However, in certain conditions this system which is designed to protect you, can overreact to specific antigens called allergens. The result is called an allergic reaction. Some people are allergic to only one substance, others are allergic to many. Nearly 1/5 of the people in the U.S. have an allergy of some type.
Allergens may cause an allergic reaction when they land on the skin or in the eye, are inhaled, eaten or injected. An allergic reaction can occur as part of a seasonal allergy, such as hay fever or can be triggered by taking a drug, eating certain foods or breathing in dust or animal dander.
In most common allergic reactions, the body’s immune system produces a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E. IgE binds to a type of white blood cell in the bloodstream and to a similar type of cell called mast cells in the tissues.
The first time someone is exposed, it may create a sensitivity to the allergen but does not cause symptoms. When this sensitized person subsequently encounters the allergen, the cells that have IgE on their surface release substances called histamines. These cause swelling or inflammation in surrounding tissues. Such substances begin a cascade of reactions that continue to irritate and harm tissues. Reactions range from mild to severe.
Over 50 million Americans suffer from some kind of allergy. Sometimes these are seasonal, others are specific to certain items. Nearly anything can cause an allergic reaction. Latex, common dust, pollen, plants, medications, certain foods, insect venoms, viruses or bacteria are examples of allergens.
Recently, many food products have been identified as causing allergic reactions. Peanuts, milk, eggs, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and wheat are examples of possible food allergens. Many allergic people are extremely cautious about what they eat as many foods have trace amounts of allergens in them. Trying to avoid the triggers that cause an allergic reaction is a very good form of prevention.
Symptoms
Symptoms the person experiences depend on the body part involved and the severity of the allergic reaction. Some reactions are local and just affect one area. Others affect multiple areas and are called
systemic reactions. A reaction to the same allergen can vary by individual.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include any, some or many of the following:
Skin - Redness, itching, swelling, blistering, rash, or hives (itchy bumps or welts)
Lungs - Wheezing, tightness, coughing, or shortness of breath
Head - Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue or throat
Nose - Stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing
Eyes - Red, itchy, swollen or watery Stomach - Pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Treatment Many people simply outgrow their allergic reactions. Still others will develop more and stronger reactions. The best treatment for an allergic reaction is avoidance, avoiding the triggers that can cause the reaction in the first place. When a mild reaction occurs, it will normally resolve on its own. This may take minutes to hours. Sometimes people will take an antihistamine like Benadryl® to lessen the symptoms and help the situation resolve more quickly. Your job is to get help by contacting the PIC, calling Aircare Access and watching the patient for signs of the more serious types of allergic reactions.
Additional things you can do for a person suffering a mild to moderate allergic reaction include the following:
• Provide OTC medications as recommended by a physician.
• Calm and reassure the patient as anxiety can worsen the symptoms.
• Attempt to identify the allergen and avoid further contact with it.
• Watch the person for signs and symptoms of increasing distress.
ANAPHYLAXIS
Although similar in appearance to an allergic reaction, anaphylaxis is sudden and severe. This systemic, potentially fatal, allergic reaction can involve the skin, respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
The symptoms of anaphylaxis normally occur within minutes after contact with the allergen. Sometimes symptoms will be delayed 2-4 hours and can be
Other Medical Emergencies 83
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