Latest news with #Epipen
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Warning as 'healthy' 20 year-old is killed by vegetarian ready meal: 'Within 10 minutes she was struggling to breathe'
A grieving mother has warned parents of children with allergies to always be prepared for a deadly reaction—after her 'beautiful' daughter died days after eating a contaminated ready meal. Jess North, 20, from West Sussex, died on 14 May 2021, five days after suffering a lethal reaction to peanuts that were in a ready meal that she had safely eaten before without problems. Within 10 minutes of consuming 'a few mouthfuls' of the sweet potato dish, and having left the house to visit friends, Jess called her mother to tell her she was having difficulty breathing. She attempted to use her Epipen—an autoinjector of adrenaline that relieves extreme allergic reactions—the dose was too low to achieve the desired effect. The keen athlete had never had to use the emergency treatment before, which meant her prescription had not been updated since she was a child, when the required amount was far lower. Despite efforts to attempt to save her by doctors at St Richards hospital in Chichester, she died five days later after scans showed no brain activity. Now her mother Maxine, 59, has vowed to raise awareness of the dangers of severe allergies, and will be attempting physical challenges to generate funds for The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. Recalling the day of the fatal reaction, when her world 'fell apart', she told The Argus: 'I was 20 minutes from dishing up the Sunday roast when Jess decided that she didn't want the meat that was on the menu. 'The kitchen was a hive of activity, so I asked her to look in the freezer to see if there was something that she could have in its place. 'She pulled out a pre-made shop bought sweet potato dish saying that she had it before.' While she was aware the meal could contain peanuts, she'd eaten it previously without suffering a reaction, leading her to believe she'd be safe. 'Once seated for dinner Jess took a couple of mouthfuls of the sweet potato and said she didn't like it, pushed it to one side and ate the vegetables,' Maxine added. Then she went upstairs, gathered her things and jumped in the car to make the short drive to meet a friend. Within 10 minutes, Jess called her mother to say she was struggling to breathe—leading Maxine to be immediately convinced that she was having an allergic reaction. 'She was near Arundel on the A27, so I told her to pull over and administer her EpiPen', Maxine said. Maxine also told Jess to call 999 as soon as she had administered the EpiPen, in line with NHS guidelines. By the time her parents got there, paramedics were already at the scene. Maxine continued: 'I have no recollection of how my husband and I got [to Jess]. It's a complete blur.' Jess was then rushed to St Richards hospital in Chichester as the paramedics fought to keep her alive after she stopped breathing twice on route. 'We had to wait for what seemed like an eternity while they stabilised Jess,' Maxine said. Jess was on life-support for three days before her doctors felt she was strong enough to undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the damage to her brain. A life-threatening allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, occurs when the immune system mistakenly overreacts and releases a flood of chemicals that send the body into shock, stopping patients from breathing. As well as rapid organ failure, this can restrict oxygen to the brain, resulting in lethal brain damage. Other common symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty swallowing, coughing, feeling tired, feeling faint or fainting and blue, grey or pale skin. Maxine said: 'Doctors couldn't reassure us as to the damage t had been done until she woke up'. The next morning, doctors started to take Jess off of medication, hoping that she would wake up so that they could run further tests. But Jess didn't show any signs of consciousness. The medical team carried out another MRI which revealed that there was no brain activity. Jess' parents were then informed by doctors that there was nothing else they could do to help. 'I can't remember much from that point,' said Maxine. 'All I knew was my beautiful baby had gone and our life had changed forever.' Remarkably, Jess had never had a severe allergic reaction before this point. 'It is always a worry, any allergy parent will tell you that,' said Maxine. 'But it didn't define us. 'We would always ask for an allergen list and would be extremely careful, but we still lived. We went away to places like Thailand, and it was okay'. Now, Maxine is urging GP practices to start sending reminder alerts to patients with severe allergies to check their EpiPens are the correct dosage. Jess' tragic death comes amid a new dawn in the treatment of childhood allergies. Earlier this year, experts at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London announced the promising results of a life-changing trial that saw 14 of 21 people with peanut allergy able to eat peanuts every day without a reaction. The desensitising process—known as oral immunotherapy—works by getting sufferers to consume microscopic amounts of peanuts, gradually increasing their dosage to build up immunity. Chief Investigator Professor Stephen Till, Professor of Allergy at King's College London, said: 'Constant fear of life-threatening reactions place a huge burden on people with peanut allergy. 'Although peanut immunotherapy is known to be effective in children, this trial provides preliminary evidence that adults can also be desensitised and that this improves quality of life.' About one in every 200 adults in the UK—0.5 per cent—has a nut allergy. Experts estimate that 10 Brits die from an allergic reaction to food each year, with 5,000 people hospitalised for severe reactions. Children with allergies are considered to be especially at risk from severe reactions as, due to their smaller body size, small amounts of allergens provoke bigger reactions.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Invasive Stinging Ants That Can Cause Anaphylaxis Are Becoming A Problem In The South
The Asian needle ant is a small, brownish ant that is often seen wandering alone. It has a sting that can cause anaphylaxis in some people. The Asian needle ant was first found in three Southeastern states in 1932 and now lives throughout the Southeast according to the U.S. Forest Service. Put aside your worries about fire ants for just a moment, because a less familiar ant with a nasty sting is becoming a problem in the South. The Asian needle ant is a small, brownish ant that is often seen wandering alone and has a sting that can cause anaphylaxis in some people. The ant has caused concern in Georgia, where one entomologist got three calls about serious anaphylactic reactions in 2024. "We are now considering it a medically important pest," Dan Suiter, an Orkin distinguished professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia, told Fox Weather. While there's no way to know who will have a reaction to the stings, Suiter says that anyone who carries an Epipen for other stinging insects should be exceptionally cautious. The Asian needle ant was first found in three Southeastern states in 1932 and has spread to many more since then, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The ant now lives throughout the Southeast and has traveled as far north as Wisconsin and upstate New York. It's also been found way out in Washington state. Unfortunately, the invasive insect limits the presence of native ants that are critical for dispersing seeds in forests. This threat to the native ants then also poses a the threat "to understory forbs like our beloved spring ephemerals - trillium, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, violets, etc. - through their decimation of native ants that disperse seeds," Dr. James T Vogt, Center Director of Southern Research StationCenter for Forest Assessment and Synthesis told Southern Living. Asian needle ants are black or brown with orangey legs. Because they look like so many other ants, Suiter recommends sending a photo to your local extension agent for identification. Then call a pest control company to set bait or treat nests. Asian needle ants are usually seen wandering alone rather than following other ants. They aren't aggressive, but can sting if they get in your clothing or you accidentally come into contact. Signs of anaphylaxis may include skin reactions, low blood pressure, a constricted airway or wheezing, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Read the original article on Southern Living
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Man Says His Roommate 'Stole' His Cake, Then Demanded He Pay His Hospital Bill After Having an Allergic Reaction
A 24-year-old man says his roommate had an allergic reaction after eating cake that didn't belong to him from a fridge in their apartment The man, who shared his experience on Reddit, says the roommate is now insisting that the Redditor cover his medical expenses The Redditor says he is refusing to pay for the roommate's medical bills, adding, "he stole my cake without even telling me" A man says his roommate stole his cake and then had an allergic reaction to it — and is now demanding that the man pay his medical bills. The 24-year-old detailed his experience on the popular Reddit forum 'Am I the A------?' a place where people can go to seek advice about interpersonal dilemmas. In his post, the man says that he and his 26-year-old roommate — who he says were 'friends before living with each other' — share a two-bedroom apartment, and that they agreed they would not share groceries. 'We have separate mini fridges in our rooms so you [can't] even eat or drink something that isn't yours on accident,' the Redditor explains. However, the man says that he recently came home and found his fridge empty and a 'plate in the trash.' He says that his roommate — who it turns out is allergic to peanut butter — had gone into his fridge and helped himself to some cake. The roommate's face soon became 'puffy and red as a tomato, so he called an ambulance,' the original poster (OP) continues. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. While the roommate was ultimately fine, the OP says that 'after he saw the cost of [the] ambulance and Epipen' he 'asked me to pay for it all because apparently I 'posioned him.' ' The man says he told the roommate to 'F off,' and reminded him that 'he stole my cake without even telling me.' The man says that the roommate told 'all' of their mutual friends about the incident and says they are now telling him he should 'at least help' with some of the costs. 'So, aita [am I the a------]?' the Redditor asks at the end of his post. Post commenters were quick to assure the man that he should not feel obligated to help the roommate pay his own medical bills — and that he has every right to feel resentful of the demand. 'NTA [not the a------],' said one person. 'This is no different than if he'd had an adverse reaction to your medication. It wasn't meant for him. You didn't give it to him or agree to him having any. This is 100% his fault and his problem.' The same person added: 'Not only do you not owe him a dime, you need to make it very clear that his medical bills are not an excuse to fall behind on rent or utilities because there is a 100% chance he's going to say that he needs you to cover those if he has to pay his own medical bill. Plant your feet and don't back down.' The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! 'NTA. Absolutely not,' agreed someone else. 'He went into your fridge, took something that was not his, and ate it. This is a well-deserved, expensive lesson for him.' 'Technically, he's a thief and owes you a cake,' said another person. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Venomous Ant With Possibly Fatal Sting Spreads in United States
An invasive venomous ant with a potentially deadly bite is spreading throughout the United States. The venomous Asian needle ant is spreading throughout the United States, and its sting can cause an allergic reaction that could send people to the hospital. Symptoms of the dangerous sting can include difficulty breathing, a weak or rapid heart rate, vomiting, hives, fainting, and tongue swelling. Dan Suiter, an Orkin distinguished professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia, recently opened up about the potential dangers of the invasive species of ant. "We are now considering it a medically important pest," Suiter told Fox Weather. "It gets a little bit more serious when the sting of an insect can be life-threatening to people who suffer anaphylaxis," Suiter continued. The invasive species is native to Asia. While it has been in the United States for more than 90 years, the population has recently exploded, spreading primarily throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, Indiana, and Alabama. However, the potentially deadly ants have also been seen as far north as New York and Washington. Part of the reason for their spread is their resilience, as they can live in warm and cold weather and thrive in both forests and urban environments, nesting under doormats or in potted plants. They can even eat human garbage. 'This behavioral versatility is allowing the Asian needle ant to move into forests, rural areas, and urban environments at the same time. And because it can tolerate cooler temperatures, it could spread into a broad range of territory,' said Dr. Mary Bates of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The ant's swarming season typically stretches from the spring to late summer, during which time the ants may enter people's homes. It's worth noting that there's no way to predict who will experience anaphylaxis and have a potentially deadly reaction to the sting. However, people who have reacted adversely to other insect stings and carry an Epipen should remain especially on alert.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
An invasive venomous ant is spreading in the US — here's where people should watch out because a sting can be fatal
Neighborhoods across the Southeast need to be on the look out for venomous Asian needle ants this summer - and be warned its sting can be deadly. People may suffer from an allergic reaction after a sting that can send them to the hospital without treatment. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, a weak or rapid heart rate, vomiting, hives, fainting and tongue swelling. "We are now considering it a medically important pest," Dan Suiter, an Orkin distinguished professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia, told Fox Weather this week. He said that the number of calls from individuals who suffered from the reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, have prompted the shift. Last year, Suiter said he received three such calls. "It gets a little bit more serious when the sting of an insect can be life-threatening to people who suffer anaphylaxis," he explained. The species, which is native to Asia, has been found in the U.S. for 90 years, but its population has exploded recently. Just how many of the ants there are today remains unknown, but they have historically been found in forest areas. They're found largely in the eastern U.S., including the Carolinas, Georgia, Indiana, and Alabama. However, have also been sighted as far north as New York and Washington. The ants' stings 'work to their advantage in gaining new territory,' according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They are not picky about where they live, and can thrive in forests and urban environments. In neighborhoods, they nest under doormats or in potted plants, with colonies ranging from a few dozen ants to as many as a few thousand. They eat termites, but also go for human garbage. 'This behavioral versatility is allowing the Asian needle ant to move into forests, rural areas, and urban environments at the same time. And because it can tolerate cooler temperatures, it could spread into a broad range of territory,' the association's Dr. Mary Bates said. While the ants aren't naturally aggressive, they may sting if they end up in clothes or if someone places a hand on top of one, researchers at Clemson University noted. 'During their swarming season, the chance of receiving a random sting increases because the females are more likely to land on an individual or get trapped in clothing. Often people are stung when brushing an ant off their skin. If an ants lands on you, it is best to flick it off, rather than brush it off,' they said. The swarming season typically stretches from the spring to late summer. If someone has been stung, there's no way to predict who will experience anaphylaxis and who will not. However, people who have reacted adversely to other insect stings and carry an Epipen should remain alert. A sting from the Asian needle ant is somewhat more likely to cause an allergic reaction than the venom in a honey bee's sting, according to North Carolina State University. While the pests are tiny, the risk of a sting can be mitigated by cleaning up and keeping wood dry and off the ground. 'During swarming season, it commonly enters homes and other buildings. To reduce the chance of them coming in from their outdoor habitats, well-fitted screens on doors and windows will be helpful,' the Clemson researchers added.
