Nurse's Quick Action Saves Patient From Fatal Allergic Reaction

A 63-year-old woman nearly died last week after experiencing a severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, minutes after taking an antibiotic. The patient arrived at a clinic in Gan Yavne suffering from significant tongue swelling, a widespread rash, and difficulty breathing. Head nurse Elena Saidi quickly identified the anaphylactic reaction and administered an adrenaline injection, simultaneously calling for an intensive care team. Saidi described the patient as being in severe distress with visible respiratory distress and noted the rapid swelling of her tongue, which threatened to block her airway. "I understood that every second counted and we had no time to waste," Saidi stated, adding that the rapid intervention averted immediate life-threatening danger.

The patient recounted feeling her body in distress and unable to breathe, with her tongue swelling rapidly. "The feeling was terrifying and I really felt like I was losing it," she said, expressing relief at reaching the clinic just in time. Following the adrenaline injection, her condition improved significantly, and her airway opened. She was then transported to the hospital for further treatment and observation in stable condition.

Professor Eli Magen, a specialist in internal medicine, allergology, and immunology, explained that it is possible to develop an allergy to a medication even after years of taking it without any prior adverse reaction. "Drug allergies can develop at any age, even after many years of using the same medication without any unusual reaction," he stated. He noted that immune system changes or underlying illnesses can contribute to this, though the exact reason for late-onset allergies is not always clear.

Magen further explained that immediate allergic reactions can occur within minutes of taking a drug and can rapidly escalate to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms to watch for include breathing difficulties, sudden hoarseness, tongue or lip swelling, dizziness, extreme weakness, or loss of consciousness. He emphasized that anaphylaxis can occur even without a rash, and any signs of a severe allergic reaction, especially breathing difficulty or tongue/throat swelling, constitute a medical emergency requiring immediate adrenaline and urgent medical help.

Following such an event, Magen recommended a blood test for tryptase during the incident to measure a substance released during severe allergic reactions, with a follow-up test after recovery to aid diagnosis. He also advised consulting an allergy specialist for further evaluation, which may include skin and blood tests. In some cases, the drug may be administered gradually under medical supervision to assess for allergic responses.

Despite this case, Magen stressed that routine allergy testing before taking new medications is unnecessary for those without a history of allergic reactions. However, he advised patients to always inform their doctor about any previous drug allergies or adverse reactions and to be aware of warning signs.