first aid

In the movie Hitch, Will Smith is eating something that causes an allergic reaction. When this happens, Will Smith’s face and ear begins to itch and swell. This is a very common thing when dealing with allergies, such as from a food.

Strawberries are supposed to be good for the body, and this is very true. This fruit definitely tastes good. Although, strawberries are delicious and nutritious, this tasty fruit can also induce an allergic reaction that is similar to the one with Will Smith in Hitch.

Having an allergic reaction like that is very real, and yes, it does happen. If there is an allergy to strawberries or any other food, the skin can begin to itch or become irritated with hives, bumps, swelling and more. In some instances, the person may not be able to breathe. When this happens, take something that is specifically for allergies, or if necessary go to a doctor for instant treatment.

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Symptoms of seizures, continuous vomiting, and high fevers are a great cause of concern when it comes to any infant. When a virus has been ruled out, or there is cause to believe there is swelling or hemorrhaging in the brain the infant’s pediatrician might request a specialist who will order different tests to check the child’s over all health. Lumbar punctures in an infant are a means to examine the brain and spinal cord through the cerebrospinal fluid, CSF. Meningitis, sepsis, and bacterial infections are among the reasons why a doctor will decide to perform lumbar punctures in an infant. Should the child be too sick the test might be postponed, but in cases where meningitis is a real concern the test will continue. Sterile gloves and a sterile area, many times behind hospital drapes, are important during lumbar punctures in an infant. Other equipment that will be used include a procedure tray, which will hold the smaller tools, cerebrospinal fluid tubes, and spinal needles with stylet. Skin preparation making use of an iodine solution will be conducted by the doctor or assistant. The infant will also be given a local anesthetic in the lower back (lumbar) area. At least one assistant will hold and restrain the child during lumbar punctures in an infant. A qualified and patient assistant is a must as the child may feel stressed and try to move and kick during the procedure. Lumbar punctures in an infant require the child to either lie on his or her side, or to remain in a sitting position if able. An assistant is responsible for protecting the infant from stretching, or bending his or her neck too far as this can cause respiratory problems. Some infants will remain calm until the needle is inserted, while others may not feel it at all for the first part. The assistant should use techniques to calm the child as much as possible while the spinal tap is done. Parents should be aware that the infant might feel some discomfort or headaches for a few days after the procedure. The child’s health care provider will discuss what symptoms to look for, which of it is normal and which require an immediate hospital visit. When the tests come back the child’s doctor will look for such things as cloudiness in the cerebrospinal fluid, high or low pressure, glucose, protein markers, red and white blood cell counts, as well as bacteria or fungus. Cloudy cerebrospinal fluid, high pressure, low glucose, or high levels of white blood cells might be a sign of meningitis. The doctor might wish to perform more tests to be sure, but will probably give the child the appropriate dose of antibiotics.

Bugs come in all shapes and sizes. The effects of bug bites and stings depend largely on the bug that has bitten or stung you and the intensity of the allergic reaction you have from those bug bites. People have allergic reactions to bug bites and stings because of the venom these insect inject into the skin of their victims. This venom or saliva aids in their digestive processes. In the case of certain spiders, the venom paralyzes their prey so feeding can occur.
Most bug bites are annoying but harmless causing a lot of itching, a bit of swelling, and some redness around the affected area. Many bug bites can be quite painful as well. Spiders and scorpions are bugs to watch out for because of the pain factor.
Most severe reactions to bug bites cause a condition called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis symptoms are more dangerous than the common allergy reaction to bug bites. Some of the anaphylaxis symptoms include: trouble breathing, wheezing, dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chills, coma and death.
Treatment for bug bites
The most logical first step is get away from the assaulting colony of bees or which ever insect is the culprit.
If you have been stung by a bee you must remove the stinger immediately, the more time spend in the skin the more possibility of venom entering the wound site. Remove the stinger with tweezers.
A word of caution, if you have not successfully removed the stinger you will need to get medical attention. Thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water.
Apply an ice pack to sting bites to help prevent inflammation.
For tick bites remove the tick with tweezers, or adhesive tap.
If the bug bite site is very itchy, you can take an antihistamine such as Benadryl; one or two tablets every six hours.
You can also use a topical cream containing hydrocortisone.
For anaphylaxis symptoms you must get a prescription for epinephrine or adrenaline depending up the area of the world that you live in. Follow the directions to the tee and carry the prescription around with you at all times.
Having the proper medication on hand when an anaphylaxis reaction occurs can be the difference between life and death.
If you do not have a prescription, call 911 or find the way to get yourself to the hospital immediately for medical care.
It is always wise to keep a first aid kit handy, not buried under piles of junk in the attic or garage. Find a place such as a kitchen or bathroom cabinet in your home to store the bug bites kit. Have a kit tucked in the glove compartment of your car and take it on outings and trips with you. The items you will need the most often are tweezers, pain relievers, ice packs, topical ointments with hydrocortisone, adhesive tape, bandages, scissors, alcohol and or alcohol pads, band-aids, sterile gauzes, peroxide, anti bacterial cleaning swaps, and even though not included in your kit, make sure you have a cell phone that you can use if you are in an out of the reach place such as a remote camping area

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One of the benefits of having options for buying your own medical equipment through companies such as Care Medical is that you can choose what you want and have the equipment customized if need be. Care Medical is a company that offers medical equipment for sale or rent to private individuals or even to health care facilities and long term care facilities. Care Medical can provide equipment such as power scooters, wheelchairs, IV equipment and even oxygen equipment for breathing treatments. Since many people cannot afford to purchase the equipment outright or may only need it for a short period of time, renting as opposed to buying may be a far better financial choice. Renting medical equipment from Care Medical or another rental company does provide the benefit of having the item replaced should it malfunction or require repairs. In most cases as long as the damage is not caused by renter misuse the company will simply replace the equipment, usually on the same day if at all possible. Typically most rental agreements will also cover some type of insurance on the equipment while it is being rented. Renting or purchasing your own medical equipment can also ensure that the patient has the same high quality care that they would have should they stay in a hospital or nursing home. Many patients seem to feel more content and happier when in their own home and renting lift chairs or hospital type beds from Care Medical helps patients stay safe as well as comfortable. Often the cost of the rental of this items is only a fraction of the cost of long term facility care plus it may be completely or almost completely covered by medical or disability insurance. In addition the ability to have the patient at home can provide more options for in home support if the correct equipment is already in use. Many home health care agencies can provide information on equipment rental and will only work in homes where the correct care equipment is available. Companies such as Care Medical equipment rentals will help patients and their families in working with insurance companies and doctors to get the necessary medical supplies. Often through negotiations with insurance companies the rental agencies can make agreements that a private individual may not have the ability to do. This negotiation process is often a very stressful part of trying to get medical supplies, so if a company can do the process for the patient and family it can be much easier on everyone.