ALLERGIC REACTIONS

ALLERGY
- The bodys exaggerated response to an internal or surface agent. - an abnormal physical sensitivity to a trigger substance that is usually harmless, such as food, a chemical , a drug or pollen. It occurs when the immune system, which normally fights infection, attacks the trigger substance.

- Allergies may produce various respiratory, digestive, and skin conditions. Such as asthma, hay fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, urticaria and dermatitis.
- some people even have life threatening to allergens such as anaphylactic shock.

HOW POISONS AFFECT THE BODY

A poison called a toxin is a substance which, if taken into the body in sufficient quantity, which may cause temporary or permanent damage.

Poisons can be swallowed, absorbed through the skin, inhaled, splashed into the eyes, or injected. Once in the body, they may enter the blood stream and be carried to different tissues and organs. S/Sx of poisoning vary with the poison.

ASTHMA
Asthma - the muscles of the air passages in to the lungs go into spasm and the lining of the airways swell. As a result, the airways become narrowed, which makes breathing difficult. Signs and symptoms:
Difficulty in breathing with a very prolonged breathing out phase.

Wheezing as the casualty breaths out.

Difficulty in speaking and whispering. Features of hypoxia, such as gray blue tinge to the lips, earlobes and nailbeds.

ASTHMA
Distress and anxiety.

Cough In a sever attack, exhaustion. Rarely, the casualty losses consciousness and stops breathing. AIMS IN MANAGEING ASTHMA: 1. To ease breathing 2. To obtain medical help if necessary.

MANAGEMENT
1. Keep calm and reassure the casualty. Get her to take a puff of her reliever inhaler. Ask her to breath slowly and deeply. 2. Let her adopt the position that she finds most comfortable often sitting down. Do not make the casualty lie down. 3. A mild asthma attack should ease within 3 minutes. If it does not, ask the casualty to take another dose from the inhaler. CAUTION!! if this is the first attack, or if the attack is severe and if any one of the following occurs; the inhaler has no effect after 5 minutes the casualty is getting worse

MANAGEMENT
breathlessness makes talking difficult Casualty is becoming exhausted - immediate action should be done to transport the casualty to the nearest hospital. - help him use his inhaler every 5-10 minutes. - monitor and record her breathing and pulse every 10 minutes WARNING!! if the casualty losses consciousness, open the airway and check breathing; be prepares to do rescue breaths and chest compressions if necessary.

VOMITING AND DIARRHOEA

These problems are usually due to irritation of the digestive system. This can be caused by unusual or rich foods, alcohol; certain medications; contaminated foods or drinks; or an allergic reaction.

Vomiting and diarrhea may appear altogether or separately. Both conditions can cause the body to loose vital fluids and salts, resulting in dehydration.
When they occur altogether, the risk of dehydration is increased and can be serious, especially in infants, young children and elderly people. The main aim of treatment is to help restore the lost fluids and salts. Water is sufficient in most cases. Alternatively add salt (1 teaspoon per liter) and sugar (4-5 teaspoons per liter) to water or diluted orange juice.

MANAGEMENT
1. Reassure the casualty if he is vomiting, afterwards give him a warm damp cloth to wipe his face. 2. Give the casualty plenty of clear fluids sip slowly and often. 3. If the casualtys appetite returns, give only easily digested, non-spicy foods for the first 24 hours.

AIMS IN MANAGING VOMITING AND DIARRHOEA:

to reassure the casualty to restore lost fluids and salts

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK
This condition is a sever allergic reaction affecting the whole body. In susceptible individuals, it may develop within seconds or minutes of contact with a trigger factor and is potentially fatal POSSOBLE TRIGGERS 1. Skin or airborne contact with particular materials. 2. The injection/intake of a specific drug. 3. The sting of a certain insect. 4. The ingestion food such as peanuts

DYNAMICS OF ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

CHEMICALS ARE RELEASED INTO THE BLOODSTREAM
BLOOD VESSELS WIDENS (DILATES) CONSTRICTION OF AIR PASSAGE

BLOOD PRESSURE FALLS DRAMATICALLY

BREATHING IS IMPAIRED - tongue and throat can swell increasing risk of hypoxia

The amount of blood reaching the vital organs is severely reduced

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

1. Anxiety 2. Widespread red, blotchy skin eruptions. 3. Swelling of the tongue and throat. 4. Puffiness around the eyes. 5. Impaired breathing, ranging from a tight chest to severe difficulty, the casualty may wheeze and gasp for air. 6. With signs of shock

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK

Initially:
1. A rapid pulse 2. Pale, cold, clammy skin, sweating As shock develops: 1. Grey-blue skin (cyanosis), especially inside the lips. A fingernail or earlobe, if pressed, will not regain its color immediately.

2. Weakness and dizziness.

3. Nausea and possibly vomiting. 4. Thirst

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK

5. Rapid, shallow breathing. 6. A weak, thready pulse. When the pulse at the wrist disappears, about half of the blood volume will have been lost. As brains oxygen supply weakens: 1. Restlessness and aggressiveness. 2. Yawning and gasping for air. 3. Unconsciousness.

FINALLY THE HEART WILL STOP!

MANAGEMENT OF ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK

MAIN OBJECTIVE:
To arrange immediate transport of casualty to a hospital 1. Call the emergency medical number. Give any information you have on the cause of the casualtys condition. 2. Check whether the casualty is carrying the necessary medication. 3. If the casualty is conscious, help him to sit up in the position that most relieves any breathing difficulty. 4. Treat the casualty for shock.

MANAGEMENT OF SHOCK
MAIN OBJECTIVE: To improve the blood supply to the brain, heart and lungs. To arrange immediate transport of casualty to a hospital 1. Lay the casualty down on a blanket to insulate her from the cold ground. Constantly reassure her. 2. Raise and support her legs to improve the blood supply to the vital organs. Take care if you suspect a fracture. 3. Loosen tight clothing at the neck, chest and waist to reduce constriction in these areas. 4. Keep the casualty warm by covering her body and legs with coats or blankets. Call for medical assistance.

MANAGEMENT OF SHOCK
5. Monitor and record vital signs-level of response, pulse, and breathing. If the person becomes unconscious, open the airway and check breathing; be prepared to give rescue breaths and chest compressions.

CAUTION!!
Do not let the casualty eat, drink, smoke or move unnecessarily. If he complains of thirst, moisten her lips with a little water. Do not leave the casualty unattended, except to call an ambulance. Don try to warm the casualty with any direct source of heat.

HOW POISONS AFFECT THE BODY

A poison called a toxin is a substance which, if taken into the body in sufficient quantity, may cause temporary or permanent damage. Poisons can be swallowed, absorbed through the skin, inhaled, splashed into the eyes, or injected.
Once in the body, they may enter the blood stream and be carried to different tissues and organs. S/Sx of poisoning vary with the poison.

PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL POISONING

1. Accidental poisoning can be the result of carelessness, confusion, or not being able to read labels because of poor vision. Keep all cleansing products and disinfectants locked in storage cupboards. 2. Store all medications - prescription and nonprescription - in a locked cabinet, far from children's reach. 3. Never tell a child that medicine is "candy." 4. Never administer medication to a child in the dark: you may give the wrong dosage or even the wrong medication.

PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL POISONING

5. Store household cleaning products and aerosol sprays in a high cabinet far from reach. Don't keep any cleaning supplies under the sink, including dishwasher detergent and dishwashing liquids.

6. Never put cleaning products in old soda bottles or containers that were once used for food. 7. Keep hazardous automotive and gardening products in a securely locked area in your garage. 8. Keep bottles of alcohol in a locked cabinet far from children's reach. 9. Keep mouthwash out of the reach of children. Many mouthwashes contain substantial amounts of alcohol.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE TYPE OF POISONING

Vomiting, sometimes bloodstained Impaired consciousness Swallowed poison Pain or burning sensation Empty container in the vicinity History of ingestion/exposure

MANAGEMENT OF SWALLOWED POISONS

MAIN OBJECTIVES: To maintain the airway, breathing and circulation. To remove any contaminated clothing. To identify the poison. To arrange immediate transfer of casualty to the hospital. 1. If the casualty is conscious, ask her what she has swallowed, and try to reassure her. 2. Give as much information as possible about the swallowed poison. Call for emergency assistance

MANAGEMENT OF SWALLOWED POISONS

SPECIAL CASE:
Burned Lips if the casualtys lips are burned by corrosive substances, give her frequent sips of cold milk or water, while waiting for medical help to arrive. WARNING!! > Never attempt to induce vomiting. > If the casualty becomes unconscious, open the airway and check breathing; be prepared to give rescue breaths and chest compressions if necessary. If breathing, place in the recovery position. > Use a face shield or pocket mask for rescue breathing.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE TYPE OF POISONING

Intense stinging pain Evidence of Chemical substance containers in the area Discoloration, blistering, peeling, and swelling of the affected area

Chemicals on the skin

MANAGEMENT OF CHEMICALS ON THE SKIN

MAIN OBJECTIVES:
Avoid contaminating yourself or others. Remove the corrosive or irritating substance from the patient as rapidly as possible. 1. Remove all clothing that has been contaminated with poisons or irritating substances. 2. Flush skin with running water. 3. Then wash skin with soap and water. 4. Immediately transport casualty to the emergency department for definitive care. En route, continue irrigation and provide oxygen if possible.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE TYPE OF POISONING

Headache Noisy, distressed breathing Confusion Impaired consciousness

Inhaled Gases

MANAGEMENT OF INHALED GASES

The inhalation of smoke, gases (such as carbon monoxide)), or toxic vapours can be lethal. A casualty who has inhaled fumes is likely to have low levels of oxygen in his body tissues and therefore needs urgent medical attention. NOTE: Do not attempt to carry out a rescue if it is likely to put your own life at risk; fumes that have built up in a confined space may quickly overcome anyone who is not wearing protective equipment.

MANAGEMENT OF INHALED GASES

SMOKE INHALATION Any person who has been enclosed in a confined space during a fire should be assumed to have inhaled smoke.

Smoke from burning plastics, foam padding, and synthetic wall coverings is likely to contain poisonous fumes.
INHALATION OF CARBON MONOXIDE Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by burning. It acts directly on RBCs, preventing them from carrying oxygen to the tissues. Carbon monoxide has no taste or smell.

MANAGEMENT OF INHALED GASES

MAIN OBJECTIVES: To restore adequate breathing To obtain urgent medical attention and call the emergency services. 1. If the casualtys clothes are still burning, try to extinguish the flames. 2. If it is necessary to escape from the source of the fumes, move the casualty into fresh air. 3. Support the casualty and encourage him to breathe normally.

4. Stay with the casualty until help arrives.

MANAGEMENT OF INHALED GASES

CAUTION!
If the casualty is unconscious, open the airway and check breathing; be prepared to give rescue breaths and chest compressions if necessary.
If entering a garage filled with vehicle exhaust fumes, open the doors wide and let the gas escape before entering.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE TYPE OF POISONING

Intense pain in the eye Inability to open the injured eye Poisons in the eye Redness and swelling around the eye

Copious watering of the eye

POISONS IN THE EYE

Many chemicals both used in the home and the workplace can irritate the eyes. The membranes covering the eye absorb chemicals rapidly, and this can lead to damage to the eyes within minutes of a chemical contact. Particular chemicals can damage the surface of the eye, and may cause permanent scarring of the eye and even blindness. For these reasons, immediate first aid is needed to wash out any chemicals splashed in the eye. This should be followed by medical treatment.

MANAGEMENT OF POISON IN THE EYE

MAIN OBJECTIVES:
To disperse the harmful chemicals To arrange transfer of casualty to the hospital. CAUTION: - Do not allow the casualty to touch the injured eye or forcibly remove a contact lens. 1. Put on protective gloves if available. Hold the affected eye under gently running cold water for at least 10 minutes. As you irrigate the eyes, make sure that fluid runs from the bridge of the nose outward.

MANAGEMENT OF POISON IN THE EYE

2. If the eye is shut in a spasm of pain, gently but firmly pull the eyelids open, careful not to contaminate uninjured eye.. 3. Ask the casualty to hold a sterile eye dressing or a clean, non-fluffy pad over the injured eye. If it will be sometime before the casualty receives medical attention, bandage the pad loosely in position. 4. Identify the chemical if possible. Then arrange to take the casualty to the hospital.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE TYPE OF POISONING

Nausea and vomiting Cramping abdominal pains Food poisoning Diarrhea (possibly blood stained)

Headache, Fever, with features of shock

FOOD POISONING
This is usually caused by food or drink containing bacteria or viruses.
Common bacterias which cause food poisoning: Salmonella or E. Coli group found mainly in meat. Staphylococcus group of bacteria produces toxic food poisoning. One of the dangers of food poisoning is loss of body fluids. The dehydration that results from this fluid loss can be serious if the fluids are not replaced quickly enough. Dehydration is very serious in the very young and very old.

MANAGING FOOD POISONING

MAIN OBJECTIVES: To encourage the casualty to rest. To give the casualty plenty of bland fluids to drink. to obtain medical help. 1. Advise the casualty to lie down and rest. Help her if necessary. 2. Give the casualty plenty of bland fluids to drink and a bowl to use if she vomits. Call a doctor for advice. WARNING!! If the casualtys condition worsens, transfer immediately to the hospital.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE TYPE OF POISONING

Nausea and vomiting Cramping abdominal pain
Poisonous plants &Fungi

Diarrhea Seizures Impaired Consciousness

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE TYPE OF POISONING

Upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears Drug poisoning

Lethargy and sleepiness, shallow breathing

May claim to hear voices or see things Hyperactive behavior

MANAGING DRUG POISONING

Drug poisoning can result from an overdose of either prescribed drugs or drugs that are bought over the counter. It can also be caused by drug abuse or drug interaction. The effects vary depending on the type of drug and how it is taken. When you call the emergency services, give as much information as possible. While waiting for help to arrive, look for containers that might help you to identify the drug.

DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTS

CATEGORY PAINKILLERS DRUG ASPIRIN (SWALLOWED) PARACETAMOL (SWALLOWED) NERVOUS SYSTEM BARBITURATES DEPRESSANTS AND AND BENZOSIAZEPINES TRANQUILIZERS (SWALLOWED) STIMULANTS AND HALUCINOGENS NARCOTICS AMPHETAMINES AND LSD (SWALLOWED) COCAINE (INHALED) MORPHINE, HEROINE EFFECTS OF POISONING UPPER ABDOMINAL PAIN, NAUSEA, AND VOMITING; RINGING IN THE EARS; SIGHING WHEN BREATHING; CONFUSION AND DELIRIUM; DIZZINESS. LITTLE EFFECT AT FIRST, BUT ABDOMINAL PAIN, NAUSEA, AND VOMITITNG MAY DEVELOP; IRREVERSIBLE LIVER DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WITHIN 3 DAYS (MALNOURISHMENT AND ALCOHOL INCREASE THE RISK) LETHARGY AND SLEEPINESS, LEADING TO UNCONSCIOUSNESS; SHALLOW BREATHING; WEAK IRREGULAR OR ABNORMALLY SLOW OR FAST PULSE

EXCITABLE, HYPERACTIVE BEHAVIOR, WILDNESS, AND FRENZY; SWEATING; TREMOROF THE HANDS; HALLUCINATIONS WHERE CASUALTY MAY CLAIM TO HEAR VOICES OR SEE THINGS SMALL PUPILS; SLUGGISHNESS AND CONFUSION, POSSIBLY LEADING TO UNCONSCIOUSNESS; SLOW SHALLOW BREATHING WHICH MAY STOP ALTOGETHER; NEEDLE MARKS WHICH MAY BE INFECTED

SOLVENTS

GLUE, LIGHTER FUEL

NAUSEA AND VOMITING; HEADACHES; HALLUCINATIONS; POSSIBLY UNCONSCIOUSNESS; RARELY, CARDIAC ARREST

MANAGING DRUG POISONING

MAIN OBJECTIVES: To maintain breathing and circulation To arrange for transport of casualty to the hospital 1. If the casualty is conscious, help him into a comfortable position and ask what he has taken. Reassure him while you talk to him. 2. Call the emergency service. Monitor and record Vital signs level of response, pulse and breathing until medical help arrives. 3. Keep samples of any vomited material. Look for evidence that might help to identify the drug, such as empty containers. Give these samples and containers to the paramedic or ambulance crew.

MANAGING DRUG POISONING

WARNING!! If the casualty is unconscious, open the airway and check breathing; be prepared to give rescue breathing and chest compressions if necessary. If breathing place in recovery position. Do not induce vomiting.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE TYPE OF POISONING

Strong smell of alcohol, empty bottles or cans, Impaired consciousness
Alcohol Poisoning

Flushed moist face, deep noisy breathing, full bounding pulse Dry bloated face, shallow breathing, Weak rapid pulse, dilated pupils

MANAGING ALCOHOL POISONING

Alcohol (chemical name, ethanol) is a drug that depresses the activity of the central nervous system in particular the brain. There are several risks to the casualty from alcohol poisoning:

An unconscious casualty risks inhaling and choking on vomit.

Alcohol widens (dilates) blood vessels. This means that the body looses heat, and hypothermia may develop. A casualty who smells of alcohol may be misdiagnosed and not receive appropriate treatment for an underlying cause of unconsciousness, such as head injury, stroke or heart attack.

MANAGING ALCOHOL POISONING

MAIN OBJECTIVES: To maintain an open airway To asses for other conditions To seek for medical help if necessary 1. Cover the casualty with a coat or a blanket to protect him from the cold. 2. Asses the casualty for any injuries, especially head injuries, or other medical conditions. 3. Monitor and record vital signs - level of response, pulse and breathing until medical help arrives.

MANAGING ALCOHOL POISONING

WARNING!! If the casualty is unconscious, open the airway and check breathing; be prepared to give rescue breathing and chest compressions if necessary. If breathing place in recovery position. Do not induce vomiting.