The Health Bulletin

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction which happens when the body is exposed to a protein molecule that the immune system perceives as threatening.  And the anaphylactic reaction can happen instantaneously or within minutes of exposure to a protein molecule which your body is hyper allergic to.

Some of the more common allergies which results in an anaphylactic reaction can be peanuts, these sayings, egg allergies and latex.  The allergen, protein molecule which the body perceives as threatening, releases a severe attack mediated by the immune system.  A flood of chemicals is released, the blood pressure drops, airways narrow, pulse quickens and many become nauseated and vomit.

Any evidence of an anaphylactic shock reaction necessitates an immediate trip to the emergency room.  Individuals who have a previous history of a severe allergic response often carry epinephrine shots with them in case of an emergency.  These shots will only support the body for a short period of time and give the individual enough time to get to the hospital.  These are not a cure and will not the only treatment necessary during a severe allergic response.

Some other symptoms of an anaphylactic shock also include abdominal pain or cramping, anxiety, confusion, coughing, hives, nasal congestion and slurred speech.  Some of the less common causes of an anaphylactic reaction includes food dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis.  During this a person eats a specific food and exercises within three to four hours after eating it thus triggering an immune response.  Idiopathic anaphylaxis occurs without any apparent cause.

The exact number of individuals who suffer from anaphylaxis is unknown because not all reactions are reported in milder anaphylaxis may be attributed to asthma or a sudden episode of hives.  In some cases a more serious and fatal episode could be attributed to a heart attack since the initial hives, swollen throat and asthma will fade quickly.

The exact causes of the anaphylaxis reaction within the body fall under two separate categories.  The first is immunoglobulin E. mediated which is the truest form of anaphylaxis and requires an initial sensitizing exposure to an allergen.  During this reaction mass cells release large amounts of histamine and other chemical mediators after re-exposure to the initial toxin.

Non-IGE mediated anaphylactic response are also called “anaphylactoid” reactions and are similar to anaphylaxis but do not require an immune mediated response.  These are caused by direct stimulation of the mast cells in the same effects are produced.  This type of reaction often occurs on an initial exposure because no offense at the station is required.

When consulting with your primary care physician or allergist they will also want to rule out other conditions that may possibly cause some of the same milder symptoms in anaphylaxis such as other conditions that cause flushing, blood sugar disorder, mastocytosis, panic attacks or heart or lung problems.

If you are with someone who is having this DeVere allergy attack quick reaction is essential.  Call 911 or summon an ambulance as quickly as possible, ensure the person has a pulse and administer CPR as necessary and if they have an epinephrine autoinjector or any antihistamines give them right away.

Once they reach the hospital medical emergency personnel will administer more epinephrine to reduce the allergic response, oxygen to help compensate for restricted breathing, IV antihistamines and cortisone to reduce inflammation and steroid medications to prevent any prolonged symptoms.  The autoinjector of epinephrine will only be enough to hold the person over until the get to the emergency room.  While they may appear to have recovered well and have no visible signs or symptoms of allergic reaction once that epinephrine has been used it is essential that they make a trip to the emergency room for further evaluation.

Dust mites are a microscopic insect from the arachnid family.  This family also includes spiders, scorpions and ticks.  This little critter commonly live in mattresses, pillows and dark corners.  It is their that day attached, grow, eat, mate and lay eggs.  They are sometimes referred to as an unwanted guest in human habitation because they are never invited in.  The live off of off the dead skin cells our body sheds and we inhale their droppings which is what causes allergic reactions.

Dust mites are the most common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis or allergies which occur year-round.  The reaction that an individual has is to proteins which trigger inflammation in the lining of the nasal passages.  This causes sneezing, runny nose and other signs and symptoms associated with hayfever.

For a few people this allergy is the primary cause of the inflammation in the Airways which can trigger asthma and results in wheezing, shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties.  Other symptoms include itchy and red eyes, itchy nose, itchy roof of the mouth or throat, post nasal drip, facial pressure or pain, swollen skin under the eyes and frequent awakening at night.

This particular allergy can range from the very mild to the very severe.  A mild symptoms will include an occasional runny nose and sneezing while those who experience severe cases will have persistent sneezing, coughing, congestion, facial pressure or a severe asthmatic attack.  Sometimes it’s difficult to know if you are suffering from an allergic response to her particular allergen or it’s just a cold.  He is the symptoms persist for more than 14 days it’s time to see your physician and rule out other possibilities before deciding it is an allergy to dust mites.

Always seek emergency care if you have wheezing or shortness of breath or if your symptoms are rapidly worsening.  Never self treat at home.

Household dust actually contains a number of different tiny particles at a large portion of it is made up of human skin cells that we constantly shed as our skin turns over.  The dust also contains the feces and decaying bodies of dust mites and it is this protein material that is the cause of the allergic reactions.

Most people do not create antibodies to dust mites but only generate them to protect against bacteria, viruses or other toxic substances.  Individuals who have this allergy find that their body produces an antibody to proteins found in dust mite debris.  Once the body has developed this antibody the immune system becomes very sensitive and responds by producing an inflammatory response when exposed.

This allergen can produce two different types of responses.  The first will prompt and inflammation in the airway passages which is often caused by regular exposure and can cause chronic inflammation associated with asthma.  It can also cause a sudden and severe construction known as a bronchospasm which requires immediate medical attention.

Dust mites are generally harmless and don’t carry diseases.  Interestingly a typical Mac tries can contain tens of thousands of dust mites and nearly 100,000 of them can live in 1 yd.² of carpet.  Since the human body releases approximately 10 g of dead skin a week there is more than enough nutrition for these dust mites to go around.  Interestingly, 10% of the weight of a pillow that has been used for two years is the result of decomposed dead dust mites and their droppings.

These little critters are too small to be visible by the naked eye and have translucent bodies.  It requires a microscope that magnifies 10 times to be able to correctly identify them.  They had eight hairy legs, no lies, and no antenna and a mouse part in the front of the body.

The lifespan is approximately 2 to four months.  Each adult female and lay between 40 and 80 eggs in her lifetime so it is easy to see how quickly they can multiply in your home.

Individuals who are allergic to dust mites must focus on control because there is no cure and there is no way to totally eradicate them from the home.  By reducing their concentration, especially in the bedroom, you can significantly reduce your symptoms.  One effect it means is to enclose the master is, top and sides with a plastic cover.  Thoroughly vacuum any pillows and put up polyurethane cover over the entire mattress.

Your bed is the number one place that you are closest to the dust mites for the longest period of time.  Wash your sheets, pillows and blankets in very hot water at least every two weeks.  Up hello should be washed every week or have a dust mite proof cover.  The water must be at least 130°F in the machine should be put on its hottest setting.  If you have fabric that cannot be washed in hot water topic in a deep freeze for 24 to 48 hours to kill the dust mites.

Dust mites love warm humid conditions.  Keep the thermostat in the house a low of 70° and the humidity below 50%.  Dehumidifiers during the summer months will help the air conditioner work even more effectively.

If at all possible remove all carpeting and replace the flooring with something impervious such as Ward, tile or linoleum.  Remove any cloth draperies or blinds and vacuum the furniture at least once a week.  Another measure which may help is to use air purifiers that a eliminate house dust mites.  Some use ozone that oxidizes the dust mite but the use are just as bad for your health as the dust mites themselves.  Instead is one that has a HEPA filtration method.

Your primary care physician can also help recommend over-the-counter medications which will help to decrease the symptoms you are suffering from a dust mite allergy.  Between controlling the population in the house and appropriate medication most individuals are able to function well.  Cleaning the bedroom area and betting is of special importance when considering long-term control of symptoms.