Natural solutions against spring discomfort

Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes... spring brings with it the beautiful days but also for some inconveniences related to pollination. The LESCUYER Laboratory offers you some natural solutions so that the dispersion of grasses affects you as little as possible.

STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Pollen from trees, grasses or various herbaceous plants, as well as pesticide-treated agricultural fields, tickle your immune system.

To help the body to protect itself from spring aggressions and to maintain your vitality, a suitable supplementation can be advised.

Bet on vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D, which contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system. The nettle extract is also beneficial to the immune system and contributes to the vitality of the body.

ADOPT GOOD DAILY REFLEXES

Avoid laying your laundry outside, pollens can hang on.

Air your house preferably in the morning or when it rains, pollens being less present in the atmosphere.

Take a shower and shampoo before bed.

Avoid mowing or being present during mowing.

In the car, turn the ventilation system on.

Wear glasses (sun or sight), they act as a protective shield.

Learn to recognize allergenic plants or trees. The National Aerial Surveillance Network (NNSA) proposes to download a poster showing the species of trees.

Keep up-to-date on the pollen calendar, also available on the RNSA website.

Source: Lescuyer Laboratory

Hypersensitivity, intolerance of the immune system

There is an increase in hypersensitivity in France. Mites, pollens, molds, foods, many are the allergens responsible in some people for unpleasant physical manifestations.

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM, A FABULOUSLY COMPLEX AND RAPID DEFENSE SYSTEM

The purpose of the immune system is to detect foreign substances, called antigens, to identify their characteristics and to trigger defensive measures to neutralize and eliminate them.

The immune system is also very tolerant of innocuous antigens such as food. Hypersensitivity, defined as loss of tolerance, is an inappropriate response of the body's defense system against these allergens.

Mites, pollen, molds, foods and animal dander are numerous allergens, well tolerated by the majority of the population, but responsible for some unpleasant physical manifestations (sneezing, respiratory discomfort, cutaneous discomfort ...). They can affect the skin, intestines, respiratory system, sinuses, nose or eyes. The biological mechanisms of hypersensitivity most often occur after 2 successive contacts with the allergen.

1^st CONTACT: AWARENESS

When an antigen enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes, the immune system incorrectly identifies this non-self-molecule as dangerous, generating production and distribution throughout the body of antibodies (IgE type) directed against this allergen. This first phase is then kept in memory by the organism.

2^nd CONTACT: IMMEDIATE REACTION

At the second introduction of the antigen into the body, the immune system is ready to react. Activated anti-antigen antibodies are immediately produced in large quantities by B lymphocytes. A cascade of defense reactions ensues, including the release of histamine and substances such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins (also referred to as mediators), responsible for Of the main events.

QUESTION TO NATHALIE BALLESTEROS, DOCTOR OF PHARMACY AND NATUROPATH AND TRAINING MANAGER OF LESCUYER LABORATORY

There is an increase in the prevalence of hypersensitivity in France and a change in dietary habits for several decades, can these two concomitant phenomena be linked?

Today, in France, 1 in 3 people is affected by respiratory discomfort linked to inhalation of antigens such as pollens, mites and animal dander. This figure was multiplied by 7 in 40 years.

The causes of the increase in the number of hypersensitive subjects are multiple: increased exposure to domestic antigens (apartment confinement and multiplication of domestic animals), passive smoking in children, pollution (chemicals More and more numerous and aggressive) and, indeed, the modification of eating habits.

Specifically, there is a decline in omega-3 consumption in favor of omega-6 (fewer fatty fish and more sunflower oil are consumed), which favors a more reactive field.

Similarly, the consumption of antioxidants (fruit and vegetables) is decreasing, which limits our defenses against the free radicals induced by the hypersensitivity.

Moreover, the reduction in fiber consumption contributes to weakening our intestinal microbiota, which is a major actor in the phenomenon of immune tolerance.

And finally, the increase in the consumption of new products (exotic fruit, sesame, additives ...) is also a factor favoring hypersensitivity due to the introduction of new substances for our immune system.

Source: Lescuyer Laboratory

Allergies: spring, a season at risk

Nearly 30% of French people are affected by seasonal allergies and every spring, the same ritual is repeated: the dispersion of allergenic pollens causes red eyes, runny nose, sneezing ... the risk of exposure to grains of Pollen is, moreover, often reinforced by favorable climatic conditions and our spring habits.

SPRING, PERIOD OF POLLINATION

From the end of winter and throughout the spring, the period of reproduction of the plant species takes place. The male organs of plants then release their pollen, the reproductive element. Pollen grains are emitted in large quantities into the air to maximize the chances of reaching female flowers.

The pollination peaks may fluctuate depending on plant species, regions, years and weather conditions. A first wave of pollination usually starts at the end of winter and extends from mid-January to mid-April for the south and from late January to May for the north.

It concerns the trees and shrubs: alder, hazel, birch, charm, oak, pinaceous... A second wave intervenes from the middle of spring to summer with a shift of about 3 to 5 weeks between the north and the south of France: This is the period of grass pollen.

FAVORABLE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Some meteorological elements favor the dispersal of pollen grains:

• The sunlight accelerates the onset of pollination and encourages abundant emission of pollen grains.
• The absence of precipitation: the rain prevents, indeed, the dispersion of the grains of pollen. The plant keeps them then to release them at a more propitious time.
• High temperatures result in an accelerated development of plant species.
• A moderate wind favors the concentration of the pollen grains in the air by keeping them in suspension.

REFLEXES THAT PROMOTE EXPOSURE TO POLLEN

After a cold and dreary winter, when spring returns, we all tend to want to enjoy the freshness and the fresh air. We spend more time outdoors for physical activity, walking, lunch or laundry, which increases our exposure to pollen allergens.

ALL GEOGRAPHIC AREAS AFFECTED

If the points of exposure to pollen in rural areas are obvious, it should be noted that urban areas are no less affected. Indeed, pollution acts as a catalyst on pollination. The higher the CO2 emissions, the greater the presence of pollen in the air. Similarly, the change in the urban landscape, especially in the south of France, with the increasing use of plant hedges composed of cypresses, thujas and charms, presents an increased risk of spring allergies.

Source: Lescuyer Laboratory

Cambodia - Very Venomous Snakes Found - Taxonomy, Clinical, First Aid, Treatment, Antivenom

Bungarus candidus (Malayan Krait , Common Krait , Blue Krait , Javan Krait)

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Bungarus fasciatus (Banded Krait , Golden Banded Snake)

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Bungarus flaviceps (Red-headed Krait , Yellow-Headed Krait , Kinabalu Krait)

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Calliophis maculiceps (Small-spotted Coral Snake)

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Calloselasma rhodostoma (Malayan Pit Viper)

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Daboia siamensis (Eastern Russell's Viper , Daboia , Tic-Polonga , Siamese Russell's Viper , Seven Pacer , Chain Snake)

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Naja kaouthia (Monocellate Cobra , Thailand Cobra , Monacled Cobra , Bengal Cobra , Monocled Cobra)

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Naja siamensis (Thai Spitting Cobra , Isan Spitting Cobra , Indo-Chinese Spitting Cobra)

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Ophiophagus Hannah (King Cobra , Hamadryad , Jungle Cobra)

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Ovophis monticola (Mountain Pit Viper , Blotched Pit Viper , Mountain Iron-head Snake , Chinese Mountain Pit Viper , Western Mountain Pit Viper, Indo-Malayan Mountain Pit Viper

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Rhabdophis chrysargos (Speckle-bellied Keelback)

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Rhabdophis nigrocinctus (Green Keelback , Banded Keelback)

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Rhabdophis subminiatus (Red-necked Keelback , Heller's Keelback (R. s. helleri))

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Trimeresurus albolabris (White-lipped Green Pit Viper , White-lipped Pit Viper , White-lipped Tree Viper)

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Trimeresurus vogeli (Vogel's Green Pitviper , Vogel's Pitviper)

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Trimeresurus popeiorum (Pope's Pit Viper , Pope's Green Pit Viper , Pope's Tree Viper , Red-tailed Pit Viper, Pope's Bamboo Pit Viper)

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Trimeresurus macrops (Dark Green Pit Viper , Large-eyed Pit Viper , Kramer's Pit Viper)

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Cambodia - Very Venomous Snakes Found - Trimeresurus macrops

Trimeresurus macrops ( Dark Green Pit Viper ) 

Original photo copyright © Dr Anita Malhotra

Family: Viperidae

Subfamily: Crotalinae

Genus: Trimeresurus

Species: macrops

Common Names: Dark Green Pit Viper , Large-eyed Pit Viper , Kramer's Pit Viper

Local Names: Ngu khiaw Hang Mai

Region: Southeast Asia

Countries: Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam

Trimeresurus macrops ( Dark Green Pit Viper ) Original photo copyright © Dr Julian White

Taxonomy and Biology

Adult Length: 0.40 m

General Shape: Small in length, moderately slender bodied snake with tapering prehensile tail. Can grow to a maximum of about 0.75 metres. Head is short, triangular shaped and distinct from narrow neck. Eyes are large in size, golden yellow, cat-like, with vertically elliptical pupils. Dorsal scales are keeled except for the first dorsal scale row.

Habitat: Often found among small bush vegetation in plain and hill terrain up to about 1000 metres. Occasionally enters dwellings in search of prey and often found in urban areas including Bangkok.

Habits: Arboreal and mainly nocturnal, often seen at dusk or early morning.

Prey: Feeds mainly on rodents, lizards, birds and tree frogs.

Venom

General: Venom Neurotoxins	Probably not present
General: Venom Myotoxins	Unknown
General: Venom Procoagulants	Unknown
General: Venom Anticoagulants	Unknown
General: Venom Haemorrhagins	Unknown
General: Venom Nephrotoxins	Unknown
General: Venom Cardiotoxins	Probably not present
General: Venom Necrotoxins	Unknown
General: Venom Other	Unknown

Clinical Effects

General: Dangerousness	Unknown, but potentially lethal envenoming, though unlikely, cannot be excluded
General: Rate of Envenoming	Unknown but likely to be moderate
General: Untreated Lethality Rate	Unknown but lethal potential cannot be excluded
General: Local Effects	Local pain & swelling
General: Local Necrosis	Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
General: General Systemic Effects	Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
General: Neurotoxic Paralysis	Unlikely to occur
General: Myotoxicity	Not likely to occur
General: Coagulopathy & Haemorrhages	No reports of coagulopathy, though related species can cause bleeding problems
General: Renal Damage	Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
General: Cardiotoxicity	Unlikely to occur
General: Other	Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence

First Aid

Description:

First aid for bites by Viperid snakes likely to cause significant local injury at the bite site.

Details

1. After ensuring the patient and onlookers have moved out of range of further strikes by the snake, the bitten person should be reassured and persuaded to lie down and remain still. Many will be terrified, fearing sudden death and, in this mood, they may behave irrationally or even hysterically. The basis for reassurance is the fact that many venomous bites do not result in envenoming, the relatively slow progression to severe envenoming (hours following elapid bites, days following viper bites) and the effectiveness of modern medical treatment.

2. The bite wound should not be tampered with in any way. Wiping it once with a damp cloth to remove surface venom is unlikely to do much harm (or good) but the wound must not be massaged.

3. All rings or other jewellery on the bitten limb, especially on fingers, should be removed, as they may act as tourniquets if oedema develops.

4. The bitten limb should be immobilised as effectively as possible using an extemporised splint or sling; if available, crepe bandaging of the splinted limb is an effective form of immobilisation.

5. If there is any impairment of vital functions, such as problems with respiration, airway, circulation, heart function, these must be supported as a priority. In particular, for bites causing flaccid paralysis, including respiratory paralysis, both airway and respiration may be impaired, requiring urgent and prolonged treatment, which may include the mouth to mask (mouth to mouth) technique of expired air transfer. Seek urgent medical attention.

6. Do not use Tourniquets, cut, suck or scarify the wound or apply chemicals or electric shock.

7. Avoid peroral intake, absolutely no alcohol. No sedatives outside hospital. If there will be considerable delay before reaching medical aid, measured in several hours to days, then give clear fluids by mouth to prevent dehydration.

8. If the offending snake has been killed it should be brought with the patient for identification (only relevant in areas where there are more than one naturally occurring venomous snake species), but be careful to avoid touching the head, as even a dead snake can envenom. No attempt should be made to pursue the snake into the undergrowth as this will risk further bites.

9. The snakebite victim should be transported as quickly and as passively as possible to the nearest place where they can be seen by a medically-trained person (health station, dispensary, clinic or hospital). The bitten limb must not be exercised as muscular contraction will promote systemic absorption of venom. If no motor vehicle or boat is available, the patient can be carried on a stretcher or hurdle, on the pillion or crossbar of a bicycle or on someone's back.

10. Most traditional, and many of the more recently fashionable, first aid measures are useless and potentially dangerous. These include local cauterization, incision, excision, amputation, suction by mouth, vacuum pump or syringe, combined incision and suction ("venom-ex" apparatus), injection or instillation of compounds such as potassium permanganate, phenol (carbolic soap) and trypsin, application of electric shocks or ice (cryotherapy), use of traditional herbal, folk and other remedies including the ingestion of emetic plant products and parts of the snake, multiple incisions, tattooing and so on.

Treatment

Treatment Summary: Bites by this species are not recorded, but might cause moderate, possibly major local & systemic effects, including coagulopathy/bleeding. Urgently assess & admit all cases. Antivenom therapy is probably the key treatment, especially for coagulopathy.

Key Diagnostic Features: Local pain, swelling, blistering, necrosis + coagulopathy, bleeding

General Approach to Management: All cases should be treated as urgent & potentially lethal. Rapid assessment & commencement of treatment including appropriate antivenom (if indicated & available) is mandatory. Admit all cases.

Antivenom Therapy: Antivenom is the key treatment for systemic envenoming. Multiple doses may be required.

Antivenoms

1. Antivenom Code: SAsTRC01

Antivenom Name: Green Pit Viper Antivenin

Manufacturer: Science Division, Thai Red Cross Society

Phone: ++66-2-252-0161 (up to 0164)

Address: Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute

1871 Rama IV Road

Pathumwan

Bangkok 10330

Country: Thailand

Source: Clinical Toxinology Resources