Camburn

The body sometimes react to minute traces of a foreign substance which might, in fact, be harmless. This reaction is sometimes known as allergies. The symptoms of an allergic reaction includes rashes to the skin, itching, sneezing, breathing difficulties, and in extreme cases, severe breathlessness or collapse. These are well-known symptoms, usually the underlying cause is less clear. What seems to happen in an allergic reaction, is that the antigen-antibody reaction occurs on the surface of the mast cells, which releases histamines afterwards.The white blood cells produce an antibody specific to that antigen. This is called "sensitization.@ This causes the capillaries to dilate, the skin to flush, itch and in some cases, the constriction or tightening of the bronchi, thus resulting in the restricting of the air passage. The constriction also increases the chance of the capillaries ( blood vessels which form a network between the arteries and the brain) being permeated, causing s...

There is a form of choking which is due to nervous disease affecting the functions of the muscles which open and shut the larynx. Choking may also be due to a disease of the larynx. But the form of choking we are concentrating on is due to the presence of a foreign body in the upper part of the air passages. When this is a piece of meat or bone, or something similar, the finger or the handle of a spoon should be passed to the back of the throat and the foreign body should be hooked forward. It is often also useful, in the case of a child choking, to smack it once or twice, firmly between the shoulders, this is sometimes possible as well in the case of an adult choking. This should never be done if the foreign body is trapped in the windpipe. Depending on the severity of the choking, there are a number of measures which can be taken, one such useful and effective one is the abdominal thrust, more popularly known as the Heimlich Manoeuver. This is necessary when the person is coughing ...

The distinction between burns and scalds is simply that the latter is caused by moist heat such as steam, the injuries produced are the same, whether the heat is moist or dry. Burning is a very common accident, and many cases could be prevented by the knowledge and avoidance of certain risks. Young children, for example, should never be left alone in a room with an open fireplace, or a stove, lighted candles or any other form of heat or flame, unless there is an effective fire guard. Special care should be taken to keep flannel or any other flammable material away from naked light, children have been known to get burnt just by standing near a fire in flannel nightgowns. The delicacy of a young child's skin, is such that serious burning may be caused by applying an over hot poultice ( soft moist material, etc. put on the skin to reduce inflammation). A burn may only cause redness of the skin, or blisters. If it is more severe, then the skin may be destroyed partially or wholly, th...

There is no difference between the stings of bees and wasps, so the remedies can be applied to both. The reason for the sting being so painful, is that the insect injects a small quantity of formic acid. Insects sting or bite from fear or in order to avenge themselves. This is very different from mosquitos or fleas, which seek to extract blood for nourishment. There are some cases where a bee or wasp sting have caused death, often in under half an hour. This is not often however, and only occurs when the insect is diseased. When the bite or sting is severe, it is known as anaphylaxis. This is a severe allergic reaction that affects the entire body (systemic). Some of the symptoms are severe itching, welts on the skin, difficulty breathing, swelling abdominal cramps and sometimes unconsciousness. If this occurs, then get the person to a hospital or healthcare facility immediately. The first thing to do in a bee or wasp sting, is to get rid of the poison which was injected into the bod...