Jumarang, Kim Enrico M.

CITY

BSN401

STI GLOBAL

ALLERGY
An allergy, also called hypersensitivity, is a reaction of your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are Pollen Dust mites Mold spores Pet dander Food Insect stings Medicines

How do you get allergies? Scientists think both genes and the environment have something to do with it. Normally, your immune system fights germs. It is your body's defense system. In most allergic reactions, however, it is responding to a false alarm. Allergies can cause a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling or asthma. Symptoms vary.

Although allergies can make you feel bad, they usually won't kill you. However, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis is life-threatening.

ALLERGIC REACTION CAUSES

Allergic Reaction Causes The body's immune system involves the white blood cells, which produce antibodies. o o When the body is exposed to an antigen, a complex set of reactions begins. The white blood cells produce an antibody specific to that antigen. This is called "sensitization."

The job of the antibodies is to detect and help destroy substances that cause disease and sickness. In allergic reactions, the antibody is called immunoglobulin E or IgE.

This antibody promotes production and release of chemicals and hormones called "mediators."

o o o

Mediators have effects on local tissue and organs in addition to activating more white blood cell defenders. It is these effects that cause the symptoms of the reaction. Histamine is one of the better-known mediators produced by the body. If the release of the mediators is sudden or extensive, the allergic reaction may also be sudden and severe, and anaphylaxis may occur.

Allergic reactions are unique for each person. Reaction time to allergens can vary widely. Some people will have an allergic reaction immediately, for others it will take time to develop. Most people are aware of their particular allergy triggers and reactions. o o Certain foods such as peanuts, strawberries, shellfish, shrimp, dairy, and wheat. Babies can also have food allergies. There are more than 160 allergenic foods. Common foods that can cause allergic reactions in babies include milk, eggs, nuts, and soy. Talk to your pediatrician if you are concerned about food allergies in your baby. o Food intolerance is not the same as food allergies. Allergies are an immune system response, while food intolerance is a digestive system response in which a person is unable to properly digest or break down a particular food.

Vaccines and medications (antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin, aspirin, ibuprofen, iodine), general anesthesia and local anesthetics, latex rubber (such as in gloves or condoms), dust, pollen, mold, animal dander, and poison ivy are well-known allergens. Other known allergens can include detergents, hair dyes, and the ink in tattoos.

Bee stings, fire ant stings, penicillin, and peanuts are known for causing dramatic reactions that can be serious and involve the whole body.

Minor injuries, hot or cold temperatures, exercise, stress, or emotions may trigger allergic reactions.

Often, the specific allergen cannot be identified unless you have had a similar reaction in the past.

Allergies and the tendency to have allergic reactions run in some families.

Many people who have one trigger tend to have other triggers as well.

People with certain medical conditions are more likely to have allergic reactions: o o o o o severe allergic reaction in the past asthma lung conditions that affect breathing, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) nasal polyps frequent infections of the nasal sinuses, ears, or respiratory tract

sensitive skin, especially sufferers of eczema

ASTHMA
Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a narrowing of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies. Common symptoms include: Shortness of breath Wheezing Coughing Chest tightness

FACTS
Allergy involves an exaggerated response of the immune system. The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections. Allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction. IgE is the allergy antibody. Allergies can develop at any age. Your risk of developing allergies is related to your parents' allergy history.

SYMPTOMS
Allergy symptoms can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild Allergy Symptoms Mild allergy symptoms can include: Rash

Itchy, watery eyes Congestion

Mild allergic reactions do not spread to other parts of the body. Moderate Allergy Symptoms Moderate allergic reactions can include symptoms that spread to other parts of the body, including: Itchiness Difficulty breathing

Severe Allergy Symptoms (Anaphylaxis) Anaphylaxis is a rare, life-threatening emergency in which the body's response to the allergen is sudden and affects the whole body. Allergy symptoms may begin with sudden itching of the eyes or face and within minutes progress to more serious symptoms, including: Varying degrees of swellings that can make breathing and swallowing difficult Abdominal pain Cramps Vomiting Diarrhea Mental confusion or dizziness

MEDICATIONS
There is no cure for allergies, but there are several types of medications available -- both over-thecounter and prescription -- to help ease annoying symptoms like congestion and runny nose. These allergy drugs include antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, corticosteroids, and others. Allergy shots, which gradually increase your ability to tolerate allergens, are also available. Antihistamines Antihistamines have been used for years to treat allergy symptoms. They can be taken as pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine eye drops can relieve red itchy eyes, while nasal sprays can be used to treat the symptoms of seasonal or year-round allergies. Examples of antihistamines include: Over-the-counter: Allegra, Benadryl, Claritin, Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetane, Zyrtec, and Tavist. Ocu-Hist is an OTC eye drop. Prescription: Clarinex and Xyzal. Astelin is a prescription nasal spray. Eye drops include Emadine and Livostin.

How Do Antihistamines Work? When you are exposed to an allergen -- like ragweed pollen -- it triggers your immune system to go into action. Immune system cells known as "mast cells" release a substance called histamine, which attaches

to receptors in blood vessels causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching, and changes in secretions. By blocking histamine receptors, antihistamines prevent these symptoms.

What Are the Side Effects of Antihistamines? Many over-the-counter antihistamines cause drowsiness. Non-sedating antihistamines are available by prescription. Decongestants Decongestants relieve congestion and are often prescribed along with antihistamines for allergies. They come in nasal spray, eye drop, liquid, or pill form. Nasal spray and eye drop decongestants can be used for only a few days, since long-term use can actually make symptoms worse. Pills and liquid decongestants may be taken longer safely. Some examples of decongestants include: Over-the-counter: Zyrtec-D, Sudafed tablets or liquid, Neo-Synephrine and Afrin nasal sprays, Visine eye drops, and Allegra-D (a combination of a decongestant and antihistamine). Prescription: Prescription decongestants include drugs like Claritin-D that combine a decongestant with another allergy medicine.

How Do Decongestants Work? During an allergic reaction, tissues in your nose swell in response to contact with the allergen. That swelling produces fluid and mucous. Blood vessels in the eyes also swell, causing redness. Decongestants shrink swollen nasal tissues and blood vessels to relieve the symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion, mucus secretion, and redness. What Are the Side Effects of Decongestants? Decongestants may raise blood pressure, so they are not recommended for people who have blood pressure problems or glaucoma. They may also cause insomnia or irritability and restrict urinary flow. Combination Allergy Drugs Some allergy drugs contain both an antihistamine and a decongestant to relieve multiple allergy symptoms. There are also other combinations, such as those between an allergy medicine and asthma medicine and an antihistamine eye drop with a mast cell stabilizer drug (see below). Some examples of combination allergy medicines include: Over-the-counter: Allegra-D, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, Benadryl Allergy and Sinus, Tylenol Allergy and Sinus. Prescription: Semprex-D for nasal allergies. Naphcon, Vasocon, Zaditor, Patanol, and Optivar for allergic conjunctivitis.

NURSING MANAGEMENT (ASTHMA)

1. Maintain respiratory function and relieve bronchoconstriction while allowing mucus plug expulsion. 2. Control exercise-induced asthma by having the patient sit down, rest, and use diaphragmatic and pulse-lip breathing until shortness of breath subsides. 3. Supervise the patients drug regimen. 4. Demonstrate the proper use of metered doe inhaler properly. 5. Reassure the patient during an asthma attack and stay with him. 6. Place the patient in semi-fowler position and encourage diaphragmatic breathing. 7. Assist him to relax as much as possible. 8. As ordered, administer oxygen by nasal cannula toease breathing and to increase arterial oxygen saturation during an acute asthma attack. 9. Adjust oxygen according to the patients vital functions and ABG measurements. 10. Administer drugs and I.V. fluids as ordered. 11. Combat dehydration with I.V. fluids until the patient can tolerate oral fluids, which will help loosen secretions. 12. Encourage the patient to express his fears and concerns about his illness. 13. Encourage the patient to identify and comply with care measures and activities that promote relaxation.

ARTICLES
Feb 8, 2012 7:00am

Too Much Salt? Try Holding the Bread

Americans trying to cut sodium from their diets may be surprised to learn that bread, not chips or pretzels, is a leading culprit. A new report from the Center for Disease Control found that bread and rolls are the top source of sodium in Americas diet, more than double the percentage of savory snacks. Breads and rolls arent really saltier than many of the other foods, but people tend to eat a lot of them, said Mary Cogswell, a CDC senior scientist who co-authored the report. Along with bread, the CDC found that just ten food items contributed to 44 percent of the sodium consumed by Americans. On average, Americans currently consume nearly 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day, almost 1,000 more milligrams than is recommended by the CDC.

The study, which looked at 7,227 Americans, found that bread accounted for more than 7 percent of subjects daily sodium intake, followed by cold cuts, pizza, poultry, soups and sandwiches. Rounding out the top ten were foods such as cheese, pasta dishes, mixed meat dishes (such as meatloaf) and savory snacks, each of which added between 3 to 4 percent of the subjects daily sodium consumption. A diet high in sodium has been linked to hypertension, which can lead to other severe health problems such as heart attack or stroke. At the time of the study, nearly 1/3 of American adults were suffering from hypertension. Most Americans, if you just eat the food thats in front of you, will end up with high blood pressure, said Thomas Frieden, the director of the CDC. Reducing sodium is one of the most effective, lowest cost, safest ways of doing that. The CDC estimates that if Americans lowered their daily sodium intake by 400mg, equivalent to a fraction of a teaspoon, approximately 28,000 lives could be saved and $7 billion saved annually in health care costs. Keith Ayoob, associate professor of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, says that eating less sodium should be just one factor in leading an overall healthy life. I really want the government out of my stomach, said Ayoob, who recommends low-sodium snacks and an active lifestyle to combat hypertension. What we ought to be doing is regulating ourselves.

Sleep tight with Resmart

(The Philippine Star) Updated February 07, 2012
MANILA, Philippines - Sleep apnea is a common disorder among Filipinos. But what most of us dont know is that it is potentially dangerous and at times life-threatening. We often associate sleep apnea with simple snoring, which we have come to accept as a normal occurrence among adults. Sleep apnea, however, is more serious than we think. Characterized by loud and chronic snoring, choking or snorting sounds, sleep apnea is a condition where a patient forgets to breathe while sleeping or suspends external breathing. It comes from the Greek word apnea, which means without breath. In sleep apnea, a persons breathing stops or becomes very shallow. Theses pauses can last 10 to 20 seconds or more and happen 20 to 30 times or more in an hour. Sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax and the airway narrows, thus preventing air to pass through (obstructive sleep apnea), or when your body fails to send signals to your muscles that control your breathing (central sleep apnea). Because it prevents a person from having a deep, sound sleep (he may often find himself waking up several times throughout the night gasping for air), sleep apnea may leave the person feeling drowsy, inactive, and unproductive during the day. If not treated properly, sleep apnea may cause dire

consequences. Those suffering from it are more prone to high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, accidents caused by lethargy, depression and other medical problems. Thats why its always best to have equipment at home that will help you curb such risks. Far Eas t Medical Equipments Resmart CPAP, for one, is designed to enhance patients comfort and improve user compliance. Its one of the best entry-level personal medical devices for those in need of continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Resmart prevents the obstruction of breathing by delivering a stream of compressed air through a hose to a nasal pillow, nose mask or full face mask, splinting the airway so that unobstructed breathing becomes possible. Its also equipped with a humidifier to prevent dryne ss of the throat. Operating only on 30 dBs, Resmart is one of the quietest CPAP devices on the market today, allowing patients to have uninterrupted sleep at night. Its small and comes with an integrated handle and an optional carrying bag, making it a sleek companion to patients, who would travel a lot. Far East Medical Equipment (the store for senior citizens) delivers to any point in the Philippines. Visit www.fareastmed.net or call 09228910322, 635-0436, 332-2317, 556-0207. Visit its branches at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, and on Gochan St. in Cebu City. Senior citizens get big discounts.