anaphylactic shock Archives - Healthhype

Penicillin, Shortness of Breath and Anxiety

Dr. Chris — Wed, 05 May 2010 21:25:59 +0000

CarolAN Asked : I am not a person who gets sick often and as far as possible I try to stay away from drugs and let my body heal naturally. Recently I used penicillin and I noticed a bit of shortness of breath. I also became more anxious but I am not sure if this was anxiety due to the shortness of breath or worry about the condition I had. I had no other issues with penicillin so I did not mention it to my doctor at the time. This infection recurred a little while later and I started taking penicillin again. I did tell my pharmacist about this shortness of breath and anxiety and he told me that it could be an allergy to penicillin and sulfa drugs and I should speak to my doctor. I did not speak to my doctor and I noticed the same symptoms again but it went away when I finished the course of tablets. I don’t think it this shortness of breath or anxiety is related to the penicillin as I have used this antibiotic in childhood and never had a problem. But I am worried if I am developing an allergy and [...]

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MRSA Staph Infection, Superbug (CA-MRSA, HA-MRSA) Pictures

Jan Modric — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:01:27 +0000

What Is a Superbug? Superbugs, also called Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) bacteria are resistant to several antibiotics. Not all superbugs necessary cause a severe infection, though. A common superbug is MRSA. What is MRSA? Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain (a genetic variant within the same species) of a Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, resistant to antibiotic methicillin and other antibiotics from the same class as penicillin, amoxacillin and oxacillin. The main problem with MRSA is that it is often not recognized as such, and is therefore treated with inappropriate antibiotics (1, page 25). MRSA and “Usual” Staph Aureus Pictures It is impossible to say from staph skin infection pictures, if the cause of infection is MRSA (Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) or an “usual” staph – MSSA (Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus). Even a staph carrier without any symptoms can have MRSA. Folliculitis, which is usually a mild infection, may also be caused by MRSA or MSSA (folliculitis pictures). Picture 1. A boil below the knee, caused by MRSA (source: phil.cdc.gov) Pictures obtained by a light or electron microscope cannot help in distinguishing between MRSA and usual staph. Picture 2.Staph aureus under the light microscope, magnified about 100x (source phil.cdc.gov) Picture 3. Cluster of MRSA bacteria as [...]

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Shock – Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Dr. Chris — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:53:57 +0000

What is Shock? Shock is the a severe dysfunction or failure in the circulation, meaning that adequate blood is not flowing or sufficient oxygen is not reaching the cells, tissues or organs. Shock is considered to be a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention, failing which, death may occur. The medical term ‘shock’ should not be confused with a sudden and severe emotional upset which is commonly referred to as ‘shock’ as well. Types of Shock There are many types of shock and this is not only a result of excessive blood loss which is a common misconception. Hypovolemic shock is the result of blood loss or significant water and salt loss (fluid and electrolyte loss). Cardiogenic shock is the result of failure of the cardiovascular organs, particularly the heart. Anaphylactic shock is the result of a generalized allergic reaction. Septic shock is a result of infections which has progressed to a severe state as in septicemia. Neurogenic shock is a result of severe nerve damage that affects the heart and blood vessels. Causes of Shock Based on the different types of shock, the causes can vary significantly. Some of the common causes of shock includes : Sudden and [...]

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Hair Dye Allergies

Jan Modric — Fri, 18 May 2007 07:28:32 +0000

What is a hair dye allergy? About 5% of permanent hair dye users develop an allergy, mostly in the form of an allergic contact dermatitis with a redness and itch in the head area. A systemic reaction with an involvement of the whole body skin and other organs, although rare, is possible in severe cases (1). Understandably dermatitis of the hands affects many hair stylists who are making bare skin contact with these dyes. (2). The main cause implicated in hair dye allergies, whether on the scalp, face, neck, back or hands, is a substance commonly known as PPD. The most common symptoms is an itchy scalp or burning of the scalp within a short period of time after applying the dye. Sometimes symptoms may develop days or weeks after the hair dye treatment. PPD (4-ParaPhenyleneDiamine, C6H8N2) PPD is widely available on the market since 1909, and it is still used in over 2 out of 3 of permanent hair dyes (2007). Commercial hair dye products typically come in two bottles – the one with PPD-based dye (non-oxidized and thus colorless) and the other with oxidizer or developer, usually hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In the hair dying process, the peroxide is initially used [...]

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