Tuesday, September 21, 2010

How can I tell if someone is in anaphylactic shock?

There are two important ways to tell if someone is suffering from anaphylactic shock. First, by identifying the symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Second, by identifying the exposure to an allergen that causes anaphylactic shock.
Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock Anaphylactic shock is primarily an allergic reaction. To identify anaphylactic shock, first look for symptoms of allergy: Itching Red, raised, blotchy skin (hives) Wheezing Anaphylactic shock happens when the victim shows signs of low blood pressure: Confusion Weakness Pale color Unconsciousness Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock often have symptoms of shortness of breath: Unable to speak more than one or two words Sitting straight up or with hands on knees Gasping for breath Pursing lips to breathe Using neck muscles to take breaths Identify the Allergen It's easier to identify anaphylactic shock if there is a known allergen. For instance, those with allergies to bee stings will usually know they've been stung. Sometimes, however, there is no known allergen and the victim is simply developing symptoms of anaphylaxis. Anyone who's had allergic reactions in the past should be aware of any symptoms -- especially if no allergen has been identified. If you don't know what it is that makes you sick, you don't know when you've been exposed. The situation can give you clues to figure out whether this is anaphylaxis. People with food allergies are more likely to have anaphylaxis while eating -- even when they don't think they're eating the food they are allergic to.
Anaphylactic Shock Treatment Once you've identified an allergic reaction, treatment depends on how bad the reaction is. Simple allergic reaction treatment includes preventing the reaction from developing into anaphylaxis by taking Benadryl. On the other hand, treatment for anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock may require epinephrine. Source: Krohmer, Jon. First Aid Manual. American College of Emergency Physicians. 2002. New York, NY.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

How long does brain activity last after cardiac arrest?

     The common medical understanding is that cardiac arrest victims become unconscious within 20 seconds of the loss of blood flow (heart stops). That's not quite the same thing as losing "all brain activity." It just means the brain is incapable of keeping you awake.      All brain activity is thought to be over by about 3-4 minutes from the moment the heart stops, which is one reason why we want to start CPR as quickly as possible. It's also why hands-only CPR is good for victims of sudden cardiac arrest. It's easy: push on the chest fast and hard while someone else calls 911.      If you're by yourself, call 911 first then start pumping. Make it quick, though. Not only does the brain stop working as it runs out of oxygen and sugar (brought to the brain by blood flow supplied by the heart), blood gets trapped in the brain until it starts flowing again. That stale blood is accumulating acids, free radical oxygen molecules and other toxins while it sits there.      As soon as you start pumping on the chest and pushing the stale blood around, you're going to bathe the brain in those toxins. The less time those toxins have to build up, the better. It's almost as important to flush those toxins out as it is to bring fresh nutrients and oxygen in. No matter how you look at it, the quicker you start CPR, the better.
Source: Safar P, Behringer W. "Brain resuscitation after cardiac arrest." Textbook of Neurointensive Care. Edited by Layon AJ, Gabrielli A, Friedman WA. Philadelphia. WB Saunders. 2003:457–498

Kuliah Siklus Krebs dan Bioenergetika