ISRP 2002 abstract
| Presenter/author | Title | Abstract |
|
Dawe,
R.S.* *) Dept of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, Scotland **) Robin Howie Associates, Edinburgh, Scotland |
Use of an Ambulatory
Powered Respirator for Airborne Peanut Allergy
|
Allergic reactions to peanut components can
be life-threatening. We report a female patient who developed peanut
allergy and has had repeated life-threatening reactions over the past 12
years. The severity of her allergy was such that being in the proximity
of someone who had eaten peanut caused an anaphylactic reaction. These
episodes were so severe and frequent that, despite careful avoidance of
peanut by everyone around her (and her carrying adrenaline for self
injection as emergency treatment), she became housebound.
In 1995 Protector Safety generously supplied her free-of-charge with a Tornado powered respirator and filters as the NHS cannot currently provide such equipment. The respirator is used with a half mask and A2PSL filters. Studies showed that these filters could absorb peanut vapours. She now goes outdoors, where she may be unavoidably exposed to peanut vapour, yet the frequency of severe allergic reactions has fallen. The respirator has allowed her to leave her home and greatly improved her quality of life. This patient’s experience suggests that correctly used these respirators can be highly beneficial to sensitised individuals. |