Allergic Reactions - Stop Wasting Time and Start Understanding Its Connection With Stings and Bites

Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a severe allergic reaction in which the whole body is affected, usually within minutes of coming into contact with an allergen. It leads to acute breathing difficulties and often causes a widespread rash.

Anaphylactic shock can cause headache, itchy skin, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, coughing and sneezing, difficulty in breathing, and even convulsions and loss of consciousness. Anything can set off this extreme reaction, but the usual culprits are bee and wasp stings, peanuts and other nuts.

Occasionally sesame seeds, natural latex (rubber), fish, shellfish, fresh fruit, penicillin or any drug or injection, dairy products and eggs can also cause anaphylactic shock. Warning, in all cases of anaphylactic shock, it is essential to administer first aid immediately, while waiting for medical assistance. An adrenaline injection can be a life saver.

Stings And Bites

The venom of snakes and insects is another trigger for anaphylactic shock. The incidence of snake bites is not great, and few people die as a result of being bitten. However, every year, a handful of people in most countries will die as a result of a severe allergic reaction to a bee, wasp or hornet sting. In addition, some mystery deaths in people over 40, though thought to be heart attacks, may have been caused by a sting.

Most of us are frightened of being stung; it is a nasty, painful experience and causes the skin around the sting site to swell. But people who are allergic to bees and wasps live in fear of being stung. If they do not receive an adrenaline injection, the sting could be fatal.

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