Allergic Reactions can be Deadly
June 27, 2006 · Print This Article
This was sent to me recently and I thought my readers would find it interesting. There are many unusual allergic reactions, some we might be familiar with, others somewhat unique, and this is one of those.
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Realizing this was somewhat serious I headed to the local clinic feeling quite tense, only to find the clinician looking at me with a ‘oh god, here’s another one’ expression. She mentioned somewhat flippantly that I’d need to isolate the foods in my diet till I found the offender. This stated after reporting I hadn’t changed laundry or soaps, nor added any chemicals or colognes to my wardrobe.
She now opened up a bit, letting me know that when an allergic symptom shows up ‘all of sudden’ as in my case, coupled with an otherwise pristine health record was due to the fact that as we age, our bodies change and we can develop allergies to foods we’d enjoyed our entire lives.
In my case, a tube of Benadryl (or capsule which make you drowsy) was all that were needed to send me off smiling (well, at least a small grin), but other reactions can be very hazardous. There are some that may require immediate medical assistance, the lack of same potentially causing death. They are not to be taken lightly.
As a young man waiting tables at a private school, I was witness to an allergic reaction that indelibly branded itself on my memory. A visiting professor had ordered a large salad, as he talked and held court, he’d take bites between rants.
Visibly his countenance changed and his face began to swell, he clutched at his throat and fell backwards, choking. The Heimlich maneuver would not prove worthy here, he was suffering an allergic reaction to shellfish, which had been shredded over the salad. The professor’s was dying in front of me as he turned red, tongue swelling cutting off his breath.
There was a doctor at the table, his expertise and the local ambulance saved his life; it was an allergic vision I will never forget.
Allergies are not something to be taken lightly. For some, they can be just a minor annoyance, for others a path to the hospital or the morgue. If you suspect you or someone close to you is allergic, take the proper precaution and enjoy a long and healthy life.
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I was happy to hear that the professor, mentioned in the above story continues to lectures today thanks to the speed and efficiency of modern medicine. Our health is our greatest asset, there are many things we need in life; love, shelter, income, fulfillment, all are attainable if we have our health. Protect it, it’s an investment in your longevity.
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