Allergic Reactions and Heart Concerns

[blessed1416]

Recently while vacationing in Maui, I had a severe allergic reaction to what we think was a mussel (shell fish). I had very painful abdominal cramping, swollen lips, vomitting and bloody diahrea. I thought my blood pressure was high, however the parmedics said it dropped. I am in the process of being tested (via blood work) which takes longer than the skin tests - about 2 weeks. In the meantime, I am to stay away from all fish and even seafood restaurants as there could be cross contamination. I have one of those pens that have an injection of steroids which if I understand correctly, works by giving your body an adrenelin rush.

My questions about this are:
1. Is this injection safe for heart patients?
2. Did the allergic reaction put my heart in danger?
3. I am 48 years old and have never had any allergies. Now that I've had this reaction, am I more likely to experience this again- perhaps with not only with shell fish, but something else?

I would like to hear from you, especially if you have food allergies and can relate to this frightening experience.

Thanks so much!!
Gail

 

[Trinityheart8891]

Gail,

I dont have food allergies, but my dad is allergic to shellfish, and I have a friend who is allergic to a TON of things....

this friend is also a congenital heart patient

that injection is called an epi pen, its a dose of epinephrine (A.K.A. Adrenaline) its not a steroid (as far as I know, yours may be different, but this is what I have heard of, and what my heart pt friend carries)

to answer your questions:

#1 yes, the injection is safe for heart patients for the most part, there is a slight chance that the epinephrine can cause some arrhythmias in people who are prone to them already, but that is why you need to call 911 when you use your epi pen. with the life threatening nature of these reactions, its more imporntant to reverse them, and deal with the slight possibility of side effects from the epi, then to not use the epi, and have the reaction progress to severe respiratory issues. the ER that you go to, and the paramedics should know that you are a heart patient, this will encourage them to monitor your vitals, more specifically your EKG, and BP more vigilantly to keep ahead of things so they can treat anything else that might happen

#2 well, I dont think the reaction hurt your heart, but the stress probably wasnt good for it. I would call your cardio, and get their oppinion on it if you are concerned about it

#3 Allergies can develop at any time in anyones life the more times you come into contact with something, the more you get sensitized to it, and eventually you may start reacting to this certain thing, for example, I had 2 open heart surgeries, and many procedures as a baby, I seem to be really sensitive to latex because I have come into contact with it so much, at this point I swell up, and get itchy if I get into any latex (fortunately its only localized at this point, IE latex gloves make my hands and wrists react)
I also react to EKG stickies, and tape too, but every time I have a holter, the reaction seems to get worse.....

so, yes, this may get worse, and worse, especially if you keep coming into contact with what caused it because you will continue to sensitise to it
and like I said earlier, you can develop an allergy to anything at any time

hope this helps

Morgan, 20

 

[azpam]

Some allergic reactions can be warded off by taking benedryl tablets right away when first starting to feel the swollen lips,etc. Anyone with allergies like that should carry benedryl with them at all times. Pills usually are 25 mg-can take 2-3 if severe allergy,throat closing up etc. Will make you tired probably but can act fairly quickly. Of course call 911 when appropriate! Epi pens are very useful.Need a prescription to get them. Use with severe allergic reactions. Go through some food allergy testing might be smart to see what else you might want to avoid eating.

 

[tobagotwo]

If you've been eating shellfish all your life without issues, the problem may be peculiar to the waters around Hawaii, rather than all shellfish. It may be metals, minerals, or even microorganisms (such as "red tide") the shellfish absorbed there. Talk to your doctor or an allergy specialist when you get home about how you can find out, and how you can test to see if the reaction extends to seafood local to you, or if this was a fluke (unless you don't care at all if you ever have any shellfish again).

Did you start on a beta blocker (like Atenolol) or other type of blood pressure medication in the last year? Or get a sudden increase in dosage? Beta blockers can affect the autoimmune system and may be causative in sensitivities. allergies, and skin conditions that were not present before.

If it is a genuine allergy to the shellfish, your reaction to it would likely be more pronounced in the future.

I agree that the largest danger from the steroids would be possible arrhythmias or palpitations. That would most likely have passed by now.

There's no reason to think it would damage your heart. Only in the severest cases does the heart get involved, at the point when all major organs are shutting down. Fortunately, that was not the case with you.

Best wishes,