Latest news with #allergicreaction
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
GP warns heartburn could be sign of a 'hidden' condition that affects one in six - if you don't get treated, it could kill
An NHS GP has warned that millions of people in the UK could be unknowingly suffering a little-known condition that puts them at risk of a deadly allergic reaction. Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is an increasingly common blood cell problem that affects around one in six people, but is 'widely undiagnosed', according to Dr Asif Ahmed. In a new clip posted to Dr Ahmed's Instagram page, where he has more than 100,000 followers, the medic said the symptoms, like heartburn, headaches and nausea, can easily be mistaken for other conditions. 'If you've got lots of symptoms, no one knows what's going on, you've been referred to one specialist then the other, then this is a condition you definitely need to consider,' he said in the video that has so far garnered over 40,700 views. He added that the condition can cause 'almost any symptom including headaches, visual problems, nausea, heartburn, skin rashes, extreme fatigue or widespread joint pain', which is why MCAS often gets misdiagnosed. Mast cells are a type of blood cell found all over the body, and are a vital part of the immune system. These so-called 'police officer' cells detect different types of triggers and fight off infection. 'Firstly, mast cells are everywhere in the body—your eyes, gut, joints, skin—and when they release [the hormone] histamine you get symptoms,' Dr Ahmed explained. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Asif Ahmed (MBBS, MRCGP, BSc) (@dra_says) In a healthy person, mast cells trigger a protective response, but in someone with MCAS, they can mistake harmless substances such as pollen for infectious germs, and spark a range of unpleasant—and potentially dangerous—symptoms. Other common triggers include alcohol, heat, medication such as antibiotics, insect bite and sings, exercise, certain foods, perfume and stress. 'In MCAS, what happens is that the mast cells inappropriately release histamine. This means a trigger, environmental generally, that normally shouldn't release histamine, does in you,' the GP explained. This can cause a number of symptoms in different parts of the body—including the build-up of mucus in the airways, which become narrower, cutting off life-giving oxygen. In some severe cases it can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that limits breathing and can be life-threatening. As well as rapid organ failure, this can restrict oxygen to the brain, resulting in lethal brain damage. Other common symptoms include swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty swallowing, skin that feels cold to the touch, wheezing, and blue, grey or pale skin. One telltale sign of the condition, present in over half of sufferers, is dermatographism—more commonly known as skin writing. 'This is when they can generally draw on their skin and this leaves a wide raised red rash,' Dr Ahmed explained. Doctors can also run blood and urine tests to pick up high levels of chemicals released by mast cells during an episode—but this only works shortly after an episode. Another way doctors may test for MCAS is by seeing if a potential sufferer responds to typical treatments. Dr Ahmed said: 'Often patients who are thought to have MCAS just get started on treatment—which are generally H1 and H2 receptor antagonists and if there's a response to this, they're often diagnosed with MCAS. 'So generally it's a very easy and safe diagnosis option to take, and I think it's an option which is worth considering for people who have ongoing symptoms despite treatment and diagnosis for another condition.' While there is no known cause of MCAS, according to the London Clinic of Nutrition, 74 per cent of people with MCAS have a first-degree relative who also suffers with the condition. It has also been linked with obesity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression and type 2 diabetes. In the most severe cases MCAS can cause severe reactions to almost everything, including foods. This is the case for Caroline Cray Quinn, a healthcare recruiter from Boston, who can now only eat two foods—oats and a specially prepared nutritional formula. Any other food could see her suffer a potentially fatal allergic reaction. While Ms Quinn had severe food allergies growing up, she was only diagnosed with MACS in 2017. 'I got sick with MCAS in September of 2017 after one true allergic reaction to cross-contamination with nuts spiraled into a series of anaphylactic episodes to foods I wasn't allergic to,' Ms Quinn recalled. 'After a long waiting list of eight months, I saw an MCAS specialist who officially diagnosed me.' She added: '(MCAS) presents in a lot of uncomfortable and life-threatening symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling/itchiness in throat and mouth, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, and hives/rashes. 'In order to avoid MCAS flare-ups and MCAS symptoms, I avoid triggers like food, animal fur/dander, mould, dust, heat, and certain smells.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Home and Away star Tammin Sursok shares horrific health scare photos after stepping in ant nest
Tammin Sursok revealed the horrific allergic reaction she had to ant bites this week, sharing a shocking video of her swollen ankle to Instagram. The Australian actress, 41, told her followers on Saturday she accidentally stepped on a fire ant nest and gotten bitten seven times. Suffering a severe reaction, the Home and Away star broke out in painful looking blisters as her ankle swelled up to almost three times its size. 'In another episode of Tammin is allergic to bugs and insects, the ant bite situation has been gnarly... I stepped on an ant nest. Got bitten by seven,' she said. 'Ran into my house and yelled at everyone, "Don't be worried. I'm taking off all my clothes."' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Tammin then went on to post a poll to her Stories, asking her followers if they wanted to see a photo of the allergic reaction she had to the ant bites. It would appear the majority of her fans said yes, as she posted the shocking image just moments later. 'Fire ants are no joke! Swelling has gone down thank goodness! They are all the way around [her ankle],' Tammin captioned the image. The photo saw her ankle looking very red and swollen with several large blisters marring the skin. It comes just a few months after Tammin revealed a shock health update after she visited her doctor for a routine check-up following a spider bite. The Australian actress was bitten in March and visited her GP the following day to undergo a standard examination. But the former Home and Away star's routine trip to the local medical centre soon turned harrowing when her doctor found something 'unexpected'. The saga began when Tammin, who is based in Nashville, Tennessee, told her Instagram followers she had been bitten. Sharing an image of a tiny raised bump on her arm, she said: 'You'd think because I'm from Australia I'd know about spiders. 'One just bit me. It's so painful. Do I just do the ring around the spot and watch it?' Tammin appeared unconcerned by the bite as she already had a routine check-up scheduled with her doctor for the following day. She shared an update as she sat in the waiting room at her GP, showing the bite had become very red. 'Spider bite update. Went to bed thinking it's gone away. Pain slightly better. This morning...' she wrote alongside a shocked emoji. But the news soon got worse for Tammin just a few hours later when she spoke with her doctor and learned they found something 'unexpected' during her check-up. Assuring followers the health concern was unrelated to the spider bite, Tammin said she underwent an ultrasound to investigate it further but is yet to receive the results. 'Found out some news at the Dr that was unexpected. Thinking positively but please keep me in your good thoughts,' she said alongside a selfie. 'Always advocate for your health. Ask for second opinions. Trust your gut.' Tammin later uploaded a video to her Stories as she sat in her car after the doctor's visit. 'So, I just got back from the doctor's. I was having my routine yearly exam. Very important,' she said. 'While that was happening, nothing to do with the spider, they found something a little unexpected. I ended up getting an ultrasound. 'Don't really know much more than that. Just being super positive. Thank you for asking. I'm just not going to share anything until I have anything to share.' The Pretty Little Liars star finished her video with: 'I'm just hoping everything is all good. Lots of positive thoughts.' Tammin currently lives in Nashville with her husband Sean McEwen who she married in an Italian ceremony in 2011. The couple share two daughters—Phoenix, 11, and Lennon, five.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Texas man sues Whataburger for almost $1M
By Published: | Updated: A Whataburger customer is suing the fast food restaurant for almost $1 million over his burger order. Demery Ardell Wilson filed a petition in Texas on April 25 claiming that the chain 'failed to act in accordance with the appropriate standard of care' and caused him to 'suffer personal injuries,' per NBC News. Wilson's lawsuit states that on July 24, 2024, he went to a Whataburger location and ate a fast food meal that caused him to have an allergic reaction. His burger allegedly contained onions - which he claimed he had specifically requested to be removed. However, Wilson claims the topping was not removed which left him in need of medical attention, per the lawsuit obtained by the outlet. Though the lawsuit does not mention Wilson's specific order, a classic Whataburger burger contains a beef patty with mustard, tomato, lettuce, pickles, and diced onion on a bun. The website lists other allergens including, wheat, soy and gluten. 'There was a manufacturing defect in the food at the time it left [Wilson's] possession,' read the filing. It added that what he ate was 'defective because it was unsafe to eat' and that 'rendered it unreasonably dangerous.' Wilson's filing claimed the fast food chain was negligent for giving him a meal with onions after he asked for them to be removed, and their inclusion rises to the level of a 'manufacturing defect.' He is seeking 'monetary relief over $250,000 but less than $1,000,000,' which includes damages, penalties, costs, expenses, prejudgment interest, and all other relief. 'Plaintiff expressly reserves the right to amend this damage calculation as discovery progresses,' the lawsuit read, per the outlet. The filing and the affidavit served to Whataburger lists Husein Hadi of the Hadi Law Firm as lead attorney for Wilson. Daily Mail has contacted Hadi Law Firm and Whataburger for comment. Per USA Today , the San Antonio-Texas headquartered chain denied Wilson's allegations in a separate court document filed on May 16. The company has demanded 'strict proof' of Wilson's claims. Whataburger also claimed it did not know, nor should have known, that any product purchased by Wilson, 'was in a defective or unreasonably dangerous condition at the time.' Wilson's filing against the burger chain comes after Hadi represented him in a lawsuit against Sonic Drive-In. In April 2023, he alleged to need medical attention after being given onions in his food that made him 'feel sick,' per USA Today. Sonic Drive-In denied Wilson's allegations in a court document filed on May 12. The company argued Wilson should 'be required to prove the charges and allegations' against them.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Texas man sues Whataburger for almost $1 MILLION over fast food order
A Whataburger customer is suing the fast food restaurant for almost $1 million over his burger order. Demery Ardell Wilson filed a petition in Texas on April 25 claiming that the chain 'failed to act in accordance with the appropriate standard of care' and caused him to 'suffer personal injuries,' per NBC News. Wilson's lawsuit states that on July 24, 2024, he went to a Whataburger location and ate a fast food meal that caused him to have an allergic reaction. His burger allegedly contained onions - which he claimed he had specifically requested to be removed. However, Wilson claims the topping was not removed which left him in need of medical attention, per the lawsuit obtained by the outlet. Though the lawsuit does not mention Wilson's specific order, a classic Whataburger burger contains a beef patty with mustard, tomato, lettuce, pickles, and diced onion on a bun. The website lists other allergens including, wheat, soy and gluten. 'There was a manufacturing defect in the food at the time it left [Wilson's] possession,' read the filing. It added that what he ate was 'defective because it was unsafe to eat' and that 'rendered it unreasonably dangerous.' Wilson's filing claimed the fast food chain was negligent for giving him a meal with onions after he asked for them to be removed, and their inclusion rises to the level of a 'manufacturing defect.' He is seeking 'monetary relief over $250,000 but less than $1,000,000,' which includes damages, penalties, costs, expenses, prejudgment interest, and all other relief. 'Plaintiff expressly reserves the right to amend this damage calculation as discovery progresses,' the lawsuit read, per the outlet. The filing and the affidavit served to Whataburger lists Husein Hadi of the Hadi Law Firm as lead attorney for Wilson. Daily Mail has contacted Hadi Law Firm and Whataburger for comment. Per USA Today, the San Antonio-Texas headquartered chain denied Wilson's allegations in a separate court document filed on May 16. The company has demanded 'strict proof' of Wilson's claims. Whataburger also claimed it did not know, nor should have known, that any product purchased by Wilson, 'was in a defective or unreasonably dangerous condition at the time.' Wilson's filing against the burger chain comes after Hadi represented him in a lawsuit against Sonic Drive-In. In April 2023, he alleged to need medical attention after being given onions in his food that made him 'feel sick,' per USA Today. Sonic Drive-In denied Wilson's allegations in a court document filed on May 12. The company argued Wilson should 'be required to prove the charges and allegations' against them.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Houston man sues Whataburger for up to $1 million after putting onions on his burger
A Houston man is suing fast food chain Whataburger, claiming he suffered an allergic reaction to onions on a burger – despite ordering the meal with no onions. Demery Ardell Wilson says he had such a bad allergic reaction to the onions while dining at one of the restaurant's chains on June 24 that he had to seek medical attention. Wilson claims he took one bite of his meal and immediately tasted onion – which was enough to cause an allergic reaction, Moneywise reported. He filed a lawsuit against Whataburger on April 25, seeking 'monetary relief over $250,000 but less than $1,000,000,' after asking for a meal with no onions, the court filing states. In the petition, Wilson says he suffered 'serious personal injuries' as a result of the incident and was forced to 'seek the care of medical professionals.' Wilson also claims the restaurant was negligent in serving him in the suit. It was not immediately clear which branch of the chain he had visited, or what he ordered. Meanwhile, Whataburger is pushing back against Wilson's allegations, requesting 'strict proof' of his claims in a separate court document filed on May 16. The Independent has reached out to Whataburger for comment. Wilson has previously sued a fast food chain over being served onions against his request. He filed a lawsuit against Sonic Drive-in last year, claiming a meal he ordered without onions also triggered an allergic reaction.
