Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/10172
Friday, May 7, 2010 – Daily News – 5A FEATURES Potentially deadly reaction to meds DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writ- ing about some- thing I have never seen addressed in your column before. My daughter, who lives alone, took the first pill of a new pre- scription while at work. She went into anaphylactic shock. He co-workers immedi- ately called an ambu- lance, and she got to the hospital with only min- utes to spare. If she had waited and taken the pill at home, there would have been no one to help her. Please caution your readers to not take any new medication when they are alone just in case they have an aller- gic reaction. DEAR READER: Allergies to medications are fairly common, but to be severe enough to cause anaphylactic shock is rare. Also known as ana- phylaxis, this type of allergic reaction is severe and potentially life-threatening, typical- ly occurring within min- utes of exposure to the offending substance. In some instances, a reaction can occur with- in seconds or can take as long as 30 minutes. Unless treated immedi- ately with epinephrine, the sufferer can become unconsciousness or die. Everyone, particular- ly those people with known allergies, is at risk of anaphylaxis, but certain medications, foods, food additives and insect stings are the most common triggers. In some instances, exer- cise, eating certain foods prior to the activi- ty, or exercising in a vast variety of weather con- ditions can cause a reac- tion. Those who have had anaphylaxis in the past are at increased risk. Symptoms include a weak, rapid pulse; dizzi- ness or fainting; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; skin reactions such as hives; itching or flushing; swelling of the tongue or throat; and constric- tion of the airways, leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing. Treatment is by injec- tion of epinephrine, which reduces the body’s response to the allergen. Then oxygen, IV anti- histamines and corti- sone, steroid pills and/or beta agonists may be used to reduce throat constriction, ease or improve breathing and Dr. Peter Gott more. People with a history of ana- phylaxis are often prescribed single-dose Epi- Pens by their pri- mary-care physi- cian or allergist for self-injection at the first sign of a reaction, decreasing the risk of worsening symp- toms. Depending on the allergen, immunothera- py with allergy shots may be beneficial. This treatment involves receiving mul- tiple injections of slowly increasing “doses” of the allergen. In this way, the body may develop immunity to the substance and stop overreacting. This is not appropriate for everyone. Even in those who choose to undergo this treatment, taking steps to prevent a reaction — and being prepared should one happen — is still vital. Your advice about starting a new medica- tion only when others are around in case of an emergency is very good. Had your daughter been alone when she developed the reaction, she probably would not have fared as well as she did. The good news is that this type of reaction is rare, and most people do not need to be overly concerned. But, as always, it is better to play it safe, because there is no way of knowing what could happen. Thank you for writing and sharing this important issue. To provide related information, I am send- ing you a copy of my Health Report “Aller- gies.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self- addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 4409-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDr- GottMD.com. Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including “Live Longer, Live Better,” “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet” and Husband brings girlfriend home too often Dear Annie: I was mar- ried for 35 years to a cheat- ing husband. We have been separated for the past nine. The house we have lived in for 25 years belongs to me. It has three floors. I live on the top floor, my son and his family live in the mid- dle, and my estranged hus- band lives on the bottom level. still living at home with my parents and am not finan- cially stable enough to move out. My family and I clash, Annie’s Mailbox Here is the problem. My husband has his current girlfriend over all the time. This is a bit much. I get very angry when I see them together and even angrier when my children visit their father when his girlfriend is with him. I believe he is being inconsid- erate and disrespectful. I think at the very least he should by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar but the fights are usually with my mother. The toll it takes on me is unbearable. My parents automatically assume that because I’m one-half of the fight, I’m the one who needs therapy. I have been to multiple thera- pists, yet there has been no change. While I admit to my fair share of demons, I believe ther- apy hasn’t worked because my par- ents refuse to attend the sessions. I cannot work out our problems with- out their participation. What do I do? I think therapy is acknowledge my feelings on the matter and keep her visits to a min- imum. What do you think? — Kitty Dear Kitty: We think you are not separated enough. Unless you plan to get back together with your husband, you should not be sharing a home. It complicates everything. If you want to reconcile, get into counseling. If you don’t, you must learn to be more tolerant of his social life. Right now, you are his landlord and not much more. We don’t understand why you haven’t asked Hubby to move out, but since he hasn’t, you’ll simply have to figure out a way to put up with the girlfriend. And please let your son make his own choices. Dear Annie: I am a young adult a waste of time if I am doing all the work alone. I do not have these problems with other people at work or at school. I love my family, but unless they agree to work on these issues with me, I don’t see any end to the fighting. — Frustrated Dear Frustrated: Ask your therapist to speak to your parents about the importance of changing the family dynamic, which means their participation is critical. In the meantime, please find your own place to live, even if it means a dorm, an apartment with six room- mates or staying with a friend. You need to put some distance between you and your parents. Dear Annie: I read the letter from ‘‘At My Wits’ End,’’ whose husband doesn’t understand the problems of her 17-year-old bipolar daughter. In California, the courts can appoint a legal guardian for mental- ly ill people. It’s called an ‘‘LPS Conservatorship,’’ and it lasts for one year and can be renewed annu- ally if the person has not improved. My 53-year-old brother has been under an LPS conservatorship for the past 15 years. Before that, my family’s lives were constantly dis- rupted by my brother’s outbursts, especially when he would stop tak- ing his meds. Under the program, the conservatee cannot refuse his medications. A conservatorship even allows the state to manage my brother’s life, if necessary. The less successful the person is, the more the conservator can become involved, find appropriate services and advocate. That mother should check with her state to see whether something like this is available for her daugh- ter. — California Dear California: Thank you for the suggestion. We hope anyone in this situation will look into it. Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Free flights for area youth May 15 Area youtyh ages 8-17 will have a chance to take to the skies Saturday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Corn- ing Municipal Airport. The Experimental Aircraft Association in partnership with the Young Eagles program will give youth the chance to take a flight. Flights last between 20 and 25 minutes. To emphasize the importance of safety, the pilot will complete a preflight inspection identifying the parts of the airplane. Once in the air the pilot will describe the interior of the airplane, includ- ing the instrument panel and the aeronautical navigational system. After the flight the young people will receive an official Young Eagles certificate and photo commemorating the flight. The Corning Fire Department will be cooking a pancake breakfast for $4 beginning at 8 a.m. at the airport. The city will have a ceremony re-dedicating the newly renovated airport at noon. Sponsoring the event is the Corning EAA Chapter #1148: North Valley Fliers. Barbara Boot is the Young Eagle chairwoman coordinating with local pilots. More than 1,500,000 Young Eagles have flown since the program was created in 1992 after EAA members indicat- ed that one of the most important initiatives should be intro- ducing young people to aviation. The program has main- tained its popularity in part because of its simplicity. During the brief flights, young people can discover more about the aircraft and the unique perspective from the sky. Since those first flights in 1992, Young Eagle flights have taken place on every continent except Antarctica, and in aircraft ranging from business jets to blimps. Each year, EAA receives numerous reports of young people who have been inspired to pursue aviation as a career or as recreation because of their Young Eagle flights. More information about Young Eagles is available through the EAA website: www: EAA.org. For additional information, call Boot at 824-5541. Rock-A-Thon scheduled in Los Molinos The Los Molinos Woman's Club is holding it's inaugural Rocking for Scholarships Rock-A-Thon from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Satur- day in front of Nu-Way Market in Los Molinos. All proceeds will help fund the Los Molinos Woman's Club Scholarship Programs. Participants collect pledges and donations made by anyone. You can sponsor a participant for an amount per quarter-hour and can name a maximum amount that you are willing to contribute, or you can specify a specific amount you are willing to donate. The goal is to help the Los Molinos Woman's Club raise at least $500 to fund its scholarship programs. If you are interested in PRESENTS “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook,” which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com LIVE Stand-up Comedy Saturday, May 8 @ 7:30pm Red Bluff State Theater Starring: Jason Resler (As seen on Comedy Central) “One of the nations top touring comedians” -Entertainment Business Journal Special Guest: Cheryl the Soccer Mom (As seen on Nick-at-Night’s “Real Funny Moms”)) Also Featuring: Carols Rodriguez & Aaron Prinz Advance Tickets only $10 Available at Grocery Outlet, M&M Ranch House (tickets $12 at the door) Sunday May 9th 9AM to 2 PM Prime Rib Carving Station Omelet Station French Toast Fresh Fruit Great Food and Service with the best view! Call for a complete description. Much more to offer on our menu Riverside Bar & Grill 500 Riverside Way, Red Bluff CA 528-0370 *Make your reservation today for Red Bluff’s finest Mother’s Day Brunch! 748 Main St., Red Bluff (530) 527-0743 Specializing In: Custom-Designed Jewelry Jewelry Repair & Appraisals GREGG COHEN Paid political advertisement Pastries & Desserts Unlimited Mimosa And more! participating in the Rock- A-Thon or you want to sponsor a participant by making a contribution, please call Betty Morales at 384-1706. Make checks payable to The Los Molinos Woman's Club. All contributions are tax-deductible. Treat Mom on Mother’s Day PUMPKINLAND Chocolate Company Give mom a gift That is as sweet as she is. Complete line of Sweets & Holiday Candy made by the Chocolatier. 12000 Hwy. 99E (6 miles South of Red Bluff) 530 527-3026 Open daily 10am-6pm CLOSEOUT SALE 50% off all Seiko Watches Sale prices continue until all are sold. All sales final. & Seiko Clocks TEHAMA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY Paid for by Re-Elect Gregg Cohen District Attorney 2010 RE-ELECT