About the WMN
The Wilderness Medicine Newsletter blog is part of the bi-monthly journal, The Wilderness Medicine Newsletter (WMN). The WMN is now in it’s 20th year of publication. Originally published as a paper and ink product, the newsletter changed over to an online format in 2003.
January 22, 2007 at 6:21 pm
a question to the entertaining Dr. Murray Hamlet:
ocean temp about 63 degrees F, 20 y.o. male immerses self to mid thighs, has immmediate histamine release with itching,mild hives over total body (Nnot just immersed area). Takes 50 mg diphenhydramine PO: it’s his second response to cold water.
his friends bring him to the first aid station, he looks fine, and within two minutes is in shock with no BP. he has no airway involvement, and has appropriate cardiac response to dumping his BP.
I’ve seen this same vasodialation without oral swelling or bronchoconstriction with bee stings, but not cold water. all I’ve seen with cold water is uticaria. is this anaphylaxis to cold water? (we gave him SQ epi)
October 29, 2007 at 8:56 pm
I can’t believe I just found this site! Very cool! I know I will be spending a lot of time reading through your site. Thanks!