LIKE
Thursday March 28, 2024


Click the logos
for news and info
about these companies

Non-Profits & Special Events








Products & Services










Banking & Finance




Construction &
Real Estate






Travel & Tourism








Public Affairs











Top Headlines

For Immediate Release
May 10, 2000

Contact:

Beryl Wolfe
(207) 775-5115

Web Site: http://www.martinspoint.org

Food Allergies and Allergic Reaction Lecture May 17 at Martin's Point

BRUNSWICK, Maine á Martin's Point Health Care is hosting a lecture May 17 on food allergies and preventing anaphylactic shock, severe allergic reactions that occur following exposure to allergy-causing substances.

The presentation is designed for parents with concerns for their children as well as people with asthma who are at risk of suffering life-threatening breathing problems as a result of a severe allergic reaction.

The lecture will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 at the Martin's Point Health Care facility in Brunswick, located at 6 Farley Road near Cook's Corner. For additional information, call Martin's Point Health Education Center at 828-2497.

Anaphylactic shock can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen such as penicillin, a bee sting or certain foods or food additives. Symptoms, which can come on suddenly and can last a few minutes to several hours, include feeling faint, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, nausea, hives and swelling of the lip, tongue or throat.

Someone who suffers a severe allergic reaction needs emergency medical attention, said Jan Wnek, M.D. and medical director at Martin's Point Health Care.

"When vital organs cannot function properly, your body goes into shock," Wnek said. "This is a life-threatening situation that must be dealt with quickly. But with education and understanding, severe allergic reactions can be avoided or at the least, dealt with properly once they occur."

People who have had anaphylaxis in the past are often prescribed a self-treat kit that contains injectable Benedryl and Epinephrine to help ease discomfort until emergency care can be provided. Typically, in the case of severe reactions, persons should use their kit immediately and call 911 or have someone take them directly to an emergency room, Wnek added.

The best way to prevent a severe allergic reaction is to find out which substance causes it and avoid that food, chemical, drug or other substance. For example, if allergic to shrimp, do not eat shrimp or shrimp sauce. Also, a Medic Alert bracelet can be worn to warn of an allergy and explain what to do in case of an emergency.

Sometimes use of oral agents such as antihistamines, inhaled corticosteroid and other medications can moderate a patient's response to allergies. Another option is immunotherapy, which involves gradually exposing the immune system to the toxic substance to make it less harmful. Immunotherapy is very effective for insect allergies but not for food or drug allergies.

Established in 1981, Martin's Point Health Care employs 290 healthcare professionals who serve 44,000 patients at clinics in Portland, Windham, Brunswick and Newington, N.H. Headquartered in Portland at 331 Veranda Street, Martin's Point accepts all major health plans and insurance, including but not limited to HealthSource, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Harvard Community Health Plan, Maine Partners, Champus, Tricare, Aetna, Cigna and NYLCare Plans.

For more information about Martin's Point Health Care, please call Amy Weinschenk, director of communications, at 774-5801, extension 2231, or visit the Martin's Point website at www.martinspoint.org.

# # #


NOTE: Wolfe News Wire is an online source for news and information about noteworthy companies and organizations. We invite you to share this content and/or leave a comment. Background info and past news items from a specific organization can be found by clicking the side logos. For more info, please email info@wolfenews.com. Thank you!



Terms of Use and Privacy Policy




©2015 Wolfe Public Relations. All Rights Reserved.