Something as simple as two cashew nuts nearly resulted in a fatal anaphylactic reaction for a patient who walked through my door yesterday.
Although he was fine with eating peanuts and somehow managed to avoid cashew nuts all his life he made the mistake of having a a few with it being the Christmas period.
Quick thinking prevailed as he was only a few doors from the surgery and he attended with a red swollen face, swollen eyes, breathing issues and chest tightness.
High dose oxygen and 4 injections of adrenaline issued by me followed by intravenous piriton and hydrocortisone issued by the paramedic managed the situation.
So what causes these severe reactions to occur?
1) Nuts
2) Insect bites or stings
3) Medication
4) Other food or fruit
Typical symptoms are
1) Rash or hives - usually red and raised
2) Face or tongue swelling
3) Chest tightness or shortness of breath
4) Throat closing sensation
Treatment is to dial 999 for immediate help or to use an adrenaline pen if the person is carrying one or there is one available.
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