Allergies, while simple can potentially cause Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal!
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| From the movie "Hitch" with Will Smith. |
This scene had me laughing to tears. What this scene represents is Anaphylaxis. There are other photos available of real people who have not been visited by a team of makeup artists, they actually look like this due to an allergic reaction. The potential outcome is Anaphylactic Shock which can be fatal.
Description of Anaphylaxis:
Within minutes or hours of being exposed to your allergy trigger, your body starts a chain reaction that widens your blood vessels, which can lower your blood pressure. You many pass out. You may get hives and swelling, especially around your face and throat. You may have trouble breathing, talking or swallowing.
If these symptoms occur, you are having a Medical Emergency!
Call 911!
Anaphylaxis can progress to loss of consciousness very quickly, don't wait... and don't try to walk to the nearest drug store and start drinking a "Benadryl Juice Box."
Common Triggers for Anaphylaxis:
- Peanuts and tree nuts
- Fish and shellfish
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Insect bites and stings
- Latex
- Medications
If you do not have less evasive allergic reactions you probably will never have the more severe reactions discussed. But as we know, some of us acquire allergies as we age, so be aware of the onset of minor allergic reactions.
- Tingling or itchy mouth
- Hives, itching or eczema
- swelling of your lips, face, tongue and throat
- Wheezing, sinus congestion and trouble breathing
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness, light headedness and fainting
