ALLERGIC, reaction
This is a hypersensitivity to substances that are harmless to most people.
The allergy signs may be rather mild (for example, a mild nose irritation attack or a brief nettle rash episode) or may be intense and very severe, for example, an acute asthma attack or a sudden collapse (refer to Chapter 2.1, ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK).
When the nose and throat are the affected organs, the individual may have sneezing, obstruction and nasal secretion, throat and eye itching; these are typical allergic rhinitis symptoms. If the bronchi are affected there is cough, and noisy and difficult breathing (dyspnoea); it is typical of asthma. When the skin is affected, dermatitis or nettle rash appears.
Uncountable substances may produce allergic reactions. The most frequent medication allergies are to penicillin and acetyl salicylic acid. Other causes include insect bites, plant pollen, dust in air or certain foods.
Avoiding the allergenic substance or substances is the most efficient way of obtaining permanent relief of an allergic condition. Sometimes this is not possible.
Before giving injections or giving any medication the patient must be asked if there has ever been an allergic reaction. A skin rash or other unexpected side effect after treatment must be regarded as a warning to avoid using the same drug in the future.
If there is a minor episode, give a cetirizine tablet (DRAWER 5, first aid kits A and B).
The most severe allergic reaction is the anaphylactic shock. After exposure to a sensitising substance, in seconds or minutes, the patient demonstrates noisy breathing, pallor, sweating and dizziness; pulse is weak and the patient ends up unconscious, with risk of dying if not treated quickly. The management is shown on (Chapter 2.1, SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION). After that MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO is essential.