Nikki Tamboli just lately had a well being scare when she stepped out for dinner with pals. Recalling the main points of the fateful night time, the actor shared that she was admitted to the ICU, or intensive care unit, of a hospital following a shellfish allergy.
“I went to eat dinner in a restaurant with my pals. I didn’t know I had a shellfish allergy. I had 4 huge prawns. Response occurred. My lungs collapsed as a result of they received infected. My eyes had been infected. I had spots throughout my face and physique. Then I skilled itching. The face swelled up. The interior organs had been so infected that they virtually decreased the blood circulation within the physique. My respiration virtually stopped,” Tamboli, who just lately appeared on Movie star Masterchef, informed Pinkvilla.
She was then rushed to a hospital. “It was an emergency case. I used to be actually taken to the hospital in a wheelchair. I used to be informed to get admitted to an ICU. I used to be there for 2 days in order that the irritation got here down.”
Dr Narander Singla, lead advisor in inside drugs at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, mentioned the case highlights the seriousness of meals allergy symptoms and the necessity for better consciousness and preparedness.
“Shellfish allergy is among the most typical meals allergy symptoms in adults and may set off extreme, typically life-threatening reactions. It happens when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in shellfish as dangerous invaders. In response, the physique releases chemical mediators, like histamine, which result in a cascade of signs starting from gentle pores and skin irritation to harmful respiratory and cardiovascular issues,” mentioned Dr Singla.
Why do some folks expertise near-death results?
Dr Singla famous that even a hint quantity of the allergen can provoke a robust immune response in people with a shellfish allergy.
Shellfish allergy could cause numerous signs, together with hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, belly cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. “In extreme instances, it might result in anaphylaxis, a medical emergency marked by narrowing of the airways, a sudden drop in blood stress, and a speedy heartbeat. If not handled promptly, this will progress to respiratory failure, organ injury, and even demise,” mentioned Dr Singla.
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Whereas some reactions might current as gentle hives or abdomen discomfort, others can escalate quickly into extreme anaphylaxis or respiration points. “Components corresponding to the quantity of allergen ingested, particular person sensitivity, or delayed therapy can contribute to the depth of the response,” mentioned Dr Singla.
Prognosis and medical therapy
Correct prognosis is vital to managing shellfish allergy. Medical doctors usually start with an in depth medical historical past, reviewing earlier reactions after shellfish consumption. “Diagnostic assessments might embody pores and skin prick assessments, the place a small quantity of shellfish extract is utilized to the pores and skin to observe for allergic response, or blood assessments that measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, markers of allergic sensitivity,” he mentioned.
In gentle instances, signs might settle inside just a few hours, mentioned Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior advisor, inside drugs, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai. “In extreme reactions, particularly if respiration or coronary heart perform is affected, hospital remark for 2-3 days could also be required for the affected person,” mentioned Dr Agarwal.
Right here’s what to contemplate (Photograph: Freepik)
Remedy focuses totally on avoiding shellfish and all merchandise containing it. “People identified with shellfish allergy are suggested to hold epinephrine auto-injectors (corresponding to an EpiPen), which might reverse extreme reactions promptly. Antihistamines may be prescribed to alleviate gentle to average signs, although they aren’t an alternative choice to epinephrine in an emergency,” mentioned Dr Singla.
What does restoration appear to be?
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Restoration after a extreme allergic response includes fast medical consideration, adopted by shut monitoring for issues corresponding to biphasic anaphylaxis (a second wave of signs).
Submit-recovery, the affected person wants a follow-up session with an allergist to develop an allergy motion plan. This plan usually contains schooling on studying meals labels, recognizing early signs, and utilizing epinephrine accurately, mentioned Dr Singla.
If you happen to suspect you’ll have a meals allergy, it’s important to seek the advice of a healthcare skilled for a correct prognosis and to develop a administration plan.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.