A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggests that an estimated 12 million Americans suffer food allergies and about 150 die every year. A food allergy is an immune system response to food that the body mistakenly believes that this food is harmful to it. Mechanism of allergic reaction: Once the immune system decides that a particular food is harmful, it creates specific antibodies. The next time the individual eats the same food, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals, including histamine, in order to protect the body. These chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin or cardiovascular system. Foods that generally cause allergy: products like egg, fish, soy, wheat and meat etc; Signs and symptoms of allergic reaction: 1. Tingling sensation in the mouth2. Swelling of the tongue and throat 3. Difficulty in breathing4. Hives5. Abdominal cramps6. Vomiting and diarrhea7. Drop in blood pressure8. Loss of consciousness (often leading to death). These symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours, after the person has taken the food. Food intolerance is an adverse food induced reaction that does not involve the immune system (as in the food allergy). Ex: Lactose intolerance in some persons who cannot digest milk sugar due to lack of an enzyme. Treatment for food allergy: Experts say some people do get over with the passage of time. But if that does not happen, it I better to avoid allergens completely. Allergy has no cure, but there is only symptomatic treatment available to manage the cases with … [Read more...]
Snake Bite – First aid
Snake bites are common in developing countries. Snake always bite as a last resort. Most species of snakes are non-poisonous and one should treat every bite as a poisonous one. Snake bite is a medical emergency. First aid reduces severity of bite by reducing blood flow and thereby reduces the impact of poison. Symptoms of snake bite: 1. Bloody wound discharge. 2. Burning. 3. Fang marks in the skin. 4. Local tissue death. 5. Severe pain. 6. Skin discoloration. 7. Diarrhea. 8. Dizziness. 9. Fever. Serious symptoms: 1. Difficulty in breathing. Try to give artificial breathing. 2. Drooping eyelids. 3. Bleeding from the gums. 4. Increase in the swelling. This is a serious sign. First aid for snake bite: What should you do? 1. Keep the person calm, reassuring them. 2. Wash the bite with soap and water. Apply antiseptic cleanser to the entire area. 3. Restrict the movement of the bite part. 4. Cover the bitten area with cool compress. 5. Apply the bandage above and below the bitten area. 6. Affected area should be below the heart level. 7. Remove any rings or other constricting items. 8. Monitor vital signs like pulse, blood pressure, temperature. 9. Look for signs of shock such as paleness. What should not do? 1. Do not apply a tourniquet. This may cause 2. Do not apply cold compresses to a snake … [Read more...]
