Doctor Nguyen Thi Thuy Hau, from the General Internal Medicine Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, diagnosed Nguyen Xuan with grade two anaphylaxis, suspected to be caused by peanut worm (also known as sea worm, a type of mollusk seafood). This level of anaphylaxis presents with systemic symptoms, occurring rapidly after the body's exposure to an allergen. The condition affects multiple organs, including the skin, mucous membranes, and upper respiratory tract, with a risk of rapid progression if not promptly treated.
Nguyen Xuan received anaphylaxis treatment, including a 0,9% sodium chloride intravenous drip, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory medication. Doctors continuously monitored him for early detection of worsening signs such as increased difficulty breathing, hypotension, or altered consciousness.
After one day of treatment, Nguyen Xuan's condition significantly improved. His full-body rash faded, eyelid swelling resolved, nasal passages cleared, and difficulty breathing ceased, leading to his discharge from the hospital.
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Doctor Hau checks the patient's health before discharge. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital* |
Doctor Hau suspects peanut worm as the allergen. This type of seafood often causes allergies, especially in individuals who have not consumed it before. Beyond the specific proteins in seafood, processing and preservation methods can alter protein structures, increasing the risk of allergic reactions.
Anaphylaxis typically appears within minutes to several hours after allergen exposure. Initial symptoms include itching, redness, swollen lips, swollen eyelids, and nasal congestion, but these can rapidly progress to difficulty breathing, bronchospasm, hypotension, and even become life-threatening.
If abnormal symptoms appear after eating, such as a full-body rash, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or nausea, patients should seek immediate medical attention. When trying new foods for the first time, individuals should consume a small amount; if an allergic reaction occurs, they should avoid it in the future.
Thanh Ba
