Film Producer Shares How A Kiss Almost Took Her Life After A Severe Allergic Reaction, Anaphylaxis: “My throat felt like sandpaper”

Filmmaker Phoebe Campbell-Harris shared a life-altering experience that serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers associated with food allergies. She had gone to celebrate her friend's birthday and the girls, both just turned 18, were excited to be adults. They went to a bar and started chatting with two young French men where one of the men caught Phoebe's attention. 

As they kissed, things were not as good as she expected. Phoebe rushed to the bathroom and noticed she was covered in hives and rashes. She realised these were signs of an allergic reaction and that she was going into anaphylactic shock, aka anaphylaxis. It is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur very quickly after exposure to an allergen. 

“And That’s When You Know Your Throat Is Closing Up”: Phoebe Campbell-Harris

Detailing a seemingly ordinary night out in a Paris nightclub, a spontaneous kiss with a stranger turned into a terrifying ordeal that nearly cost her life. Phoebe Campbell-Harris shared that right after their kiss, she rushed to a bathroom and noticed the sign of an allergic reaction of anaphylaxis. “My throat felt like sandpaper. It had gone all scratchy. That is the first sign, then it becomes harder and harder to swallow and that’s when you know your throat is closing up,” she said. 

Following the reaction, she administered her EpiPen (auto-injectable device) and called for an ambulance. Phoebe knew she hadn’t eaten or drunk anything with nuts in it, as she was allergic to it. The only explanation was the kiss with the unknown man she met at the bar. She started to think that he might have eaten nuts earlier, especially since there was a communal bowl of snacks at the bar.

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What Is Anaphylaxis?

According to a study published on PubMed, anaphylaxis is defined as “a serious systemic hypersensitivity reaction that is usually rapid in onset and may cause death.” It can even lead to life-threatening issues with breathing and circulation that may occur without typical skin symptoms or circulatory shock being present. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent serious harm or death because of anaphylaxis. In some cases, individuals often carry an EpiPen, which has epinephrine, crucial for reversing the reaction. 

What Are the Symptoms Of Anaphylaxis?

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can develop rapidly and may vary from individual to individual. Below are a few symptoms of the medical condition. 

• Skin reactions like hives, itching, or flushed skin.

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips.

• Respiratory issues like difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a hoarse voice.

• Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal cramps.

• Cardiovascular symptoms like weak or rapid pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting.

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What Is The Treatment Of Anaphylaxis?

The treatment for anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is critical and must be administered immediately to prevent serious complications or death. Below are the key components of anaphylaxis treatment. 

• Epinephrine through an adrenaline injection is the most effective treatment for anaphylaxis. It should be administered as soon as possible and it can also be given via an auto-injector, such as an EpiPen, into the outer thigh muscle.

• After administering epinephrine, it is crucial to call emergency services and seek immediate medical attention. 

• Other additional treatments include oxygen therapy to assist with breathing difficulties, and IV fluids to maintain blood pressure and hydration. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may also be administered in a hospital setting to help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. 

Conclusion

Phoebe Campbell-Harris's experience serves as a vital reminder of the dangers of food allergies. Her near-fatal encounter after a kiss highlights the unpredictability of anaphylaxis and the importance of awareness and preparedness. Through her advocacy, Phoebe empowers individuals to enjoy life while remaining vigilant about their health, emphasizing that understanding food allergies can save lives.