Comment from: katieRN, 55-64 Female (Patient)Published: October 21
I was recently stung by a hornet or wasp on my wrist right on a vein, which is probably why my reaction was severe. I took Benadryl within 5 min., but 10 min. later my head was pounding, and I was weak with rapid heart rate and breathing. My daughter luckily was home and used the Epipen in my thigh. I was then in and out of consciousness and had an urge to have a bowel movement, but I was incredibly weak and not able to stay awake. My family dragged me to the bathroom, (after calling the ambulance), where I was unconscious when I wasn't vomiting. The EMTs gave me oxygen, IV Benadryl and Solu Medrol. My blood pressure in the ER was very low (80/30) with tachycardia. I don't understand why I had no rash or throat swelling unless epi took care of this. They kept me overnight with IV fluids and Solu Medrol. Now I will keep Epipen close by, but I am afraid to ever have this happen again.
Comment from: JES, 55-64 Female (Patient)Published: October 09
I have had three anaphylactic events, two of which required hospitalization. I also have bilateral shoulder shrugging due to restless arm syndrome and the ER doctors get side-tracked with that and fail to treat for my allergies. The last time my husband, a dentist, assured the ER doctor that this was my third event, but he was told it wasn't an allergic reaction. Finally, after they had ruled out seizure or stroke, I was treated with IV Benadryl and Prednisone hours later. I was non-responsive for eight hours. It's frustrating to have medical directives or an alert bracelet when the ER doctors just ignore them.
Comment from: Guest, 55-64 FemalePublished: October 09
I experienced anaphylaxis the other day. I had a very intense episode of hives, and I had to go to the emergency room. It began with my palms itching, then the itching spread all over my body, face, and scalp. I had tongue and throat swelling, and I felt chilled after every new wave of hives and itching. I took two tablespoons of Benadryl at home. I went to the hospital after noticing the throat swelling, and they gave me an epinephrine shot that helped some. They also gave me a steroid pill and Zantac. They gave me prescription of Epipen, which I now carry. My primary doctor did the same. He sent me to an allergist who said until it happens again we won't have any idea why it happened. He also said it wasn't life threatening. (Really?) How odd that he'd think that. Still, I carry the Epipen no matter what he said.
Comment from: Grandma, 65-74 Female (Patient)Published: September 10
I was in the hospital for double pneumonia. After I had been there about 2 hours, my blood sugar was taken. It was 156, somebody panicked I think, I was given 3 units of insulin and in about 10 minutes I was in the throws of being in shock. Several nurses about 7 surrounded me and tried to get my breathing under control. I was also given Benadryl. They said later that I was on 100% oxygen. I was then taken to ICU and spent 3 days there. I was then transferred to a nursing floor. They then discovered that I had an ecoli blood infection along with the pneumonia. After a weeks stay and many test later I was discharged.
Comment from: MC, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: September 10
I have had 3 episodes of anaphylaxis shock so far. 1st time was in turkey, I was stung by a hornet. All other times have been in the UK. When I had it, it was the most frightening thing I have ever experienced, as soon as I'm stung I get flushing of the skin, anxiety feeling that I'm going to die, fast breathing my BP drops very low and my heart starts racing. The sight of the sting also swells up and is very red and wide-spread. The last time I had it was in May, I had to be taken to hospital by ambulance and was put on a drip. I found out that I'm also allergic to certain food as well as insect stings. I now carry the epi-pen and wear a Medi-alert bracelet.
Comment from: Mamabear, 19-24 Female (Caregiver)Published: September 10
My son is 19 and he has been having panic attacks for the past year. They are continuing to get worse. I ran across this site by accident and read the part about exercising. He has been lifting weight vigorously for the past 6 months and the only thing that seems to help him is Phenergan which is what I was trying to research using it as when having an allergic reaction. He does not break out in hives, but it is usually around the time he eats or after he exercises. His meals have change from white bread to wheat and only wheat product, whey protein shakes etc. and he has actually lost 80 pounds since December. I would like any feedback on this because no one will listen to anything else other than it has to be panic attacks and he is losing his life.
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Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults.
Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an
allergic reaction. The allergy may be to food or medications, but usually the
cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown.
Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often precedes vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but they are symptoms of many conditions. The causes of vomiting differ according to age, and treatment depends upon the cause of nausea and vomiting.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing, swallowing problems. Dysphagia is due to problems in nerve or muscle control. It is common, for example, after a stroke. Dysphagia compromises nutrition and hydration and may lead to aspiration pneumonia and dehydration.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in water, soil, and the air. Mercury is also contained in some fish, some of the products we use in the home, school, or dentist. Information about sources of mercury exposure, potential health effects, symptoms of exposure, fish that may contain mercury, consumer products that contain mercury, and ways to reduce your exposure to mercury is important for the health of you, and your family.
The majority of spiders in the United States are harmless. Two exceptions include the black widow spider and the brown recluse spider. Symptoms of a harmless spider bite generally involve redness, irritation, and pain. alized symptoms of bites from black widow and brown recluse spiders may include: nausea and vomiting, fever, headache, abdominal pain, joint pain, and more. In general, a brown recluse spider bite or black widow spider bite may require medical attention. The information includes pictures of the brown recluse and black widow spiders for identification.
Medical shock is a life-threatening medical condition. There are several types of medical shock, septic shock, anaphylactic shock, cardiogenic shock, hypovolemic shock, and neurogenic shock. Causes of shock include heart attack, heart failure, heavy bleeding (internal and external), infection, anaphylaxis, spinal cord injury, severe burns, chronic vomiting or diarrhea. Low blood pressure is the key sign of sock. Treatment is dependant upon the type of shock.
Bees, wasps, and fire ants are related insects that belong to the Hymenoptera order. There are thousands of species of wasps found throughout the world. Common wasps are yellow jackets and hornets. Types of bees include honey bees, the Africanized honey bee (killer bee), and the bumble bee. There are four types of reactions to a bee or wasp sting; 1) local reaction, 2) systemic allergic reaction, 3) toxic reaction, and 4) delayed reaction. Individuals who have a systemic or toxic reaction generally require immediate medical treatment to prevent anaphylactic reaction, and possibly death.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease. Though most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, some reactions may be life-threatening. Preventing bug bites and stings with insect repellant, wearing the proper protective attire, and not wearing heavily scented perfumes when in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas is key.
The majority of stinging insects in the United States are from Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps and Fire Ants. Severity of reactions to stings varies greatly. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential. In selected cases, allergy injection therapy is highly effective.
First aid is a complicated subject and it is situation-specific. First aid is the help and medical assistance that someone gives, not only to an injured person, but to a person who is sick. Preparedness is a key element of first aid, like having basic medical emergency kits in your home, car, boat, or RV. Cuts, puncture wounds, sprains, strains, nosebleeds are one type of injury that may require first aid; heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and heat stroke are examples of more critical first aid emergencies.
Drug allergies are cause when the immune system mistakenly creates an immune response to a medication. Symptoms of a drug allergic reaction include hives, rash, itchy skin or eyes, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, fainting and anxiety. The most common drug allergy is penicillin. Treatment may involve antihistamines or corticosteroids. An Epipen may be used for life-threatening anaphylactic symptoms.
Mercury is contained in some of the fish we eat, whether caught in local
lakes and streams or bought in a grocery store. Mercury is also contained in
some of the products we use, which may be found in your home, at the dentist,
and at schools. This article provides links to information about sources of mercury
exposure, potential health effects, fish that may contain mercury, consumer
products that contain mercury, and ways to reduce your exposure to mercury.
General information about mercury and mercury
exposure
Forms of mercury. Mercury is a naturally occurring
element that is found in air, water and soil. It exists in several forms:
elemental or metallic mercury,
inorganic mercury compounds, and
organic mercury compounds.
Sources of mercury. Mercury is an element in the earth's crust. Humans cannot
create or destroy mercury. Pu...
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I was recently stung by a hornet or wasp on my wrist right on a vein, which is probably why my reaction was severe. I took Benadryl within 5 min., but 10 min. later my head was pounding, and I was weak with rapid heart rate and breathing. My daughter luckily was home and used the Epipen in my thigh. I was then in and out of consciousness and had an urge to have a bowel movement, but I was incredibly weak and not able to stay awake. My family dragged me to the bathroom, (after calling the ambulance), where I was unconscious when I wasn't vomiting. The EMTs gave me oxygen, IV Benadryl and Solu Medrol. My blood pressure in the ER was very low (80/30) with tachycardia. I don't understand why I had no rash or throat swelling unless epi took care of this. They kept me overnight with IV fluids and Solu Medrol. Now I will keep Epipen close by, but I am afraid to ever have this happen again.
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