Death of Andy Kessler from Allergic Reactions

Bee Sting Allergies Take the Skateboard Pro

Aug 15, 2009 Jennifer Marsh

Andy Kessler died from anaphylaxis allergic reactions from a bee sting, which is a reminder of the importance of allergies.

Andy Kessler died August 10, 2009 from a wasp sting while skateboarding. The death was related to an allergic reaction which sent the skateboarding legend into anaphylaxis. The death of Andy Kessler is a reminder of how serious allergies are to patients with severe sensitivity. Patients prone to anaphylaxis have hypersensitivity to certain allergens. Some common allergic reactions are caused by allergens such as dust, pollen, animal dander, and bee stings.

What are Allergic Reactions?

Allergic reactions are hypersensitivity from the immune system. When a foreign substance invades the body, such as a bee sting, pollen, or dust, the body sends immune cells to fight off the invasion. A normal body fights the foreign particle without any kind of sensitivity. People prone to allergic reactions have severe allergic reactions where the immune system causes extreme inflammation. This is the case with Andy Kessler. His body had an abnormal reaction to the inflammation from a bee sting. Although Andy Kessler's reaction was fatal, bee and wasp stings are not always emergency situations.

How do Allergic Reactions Cause Death?

Andy Kessler had a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting, which often goes unnoticed until the patient suffers from anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis occurs when tissue shuts down from damage. When death occurs from allergic reactions, it is caused by the body’s own immune system and not the actual allergen. Allergic reactions cause inflammation, which is a normal method for the body to introduce fluid into the extracellular space. This fluid provides a path for immune cells like macrophages and T-cells to enter the tissue and destroy the infection. When extreme infection occurs, the tissue is destroyed. In areas such as the lungs, the inflammation from allergic reactions blocks airways. The combination of the loss of air and tissue damage causes organ shutdown and eventual death.

Preventing Bee Sting Allergic Reactions

Many people like Andy Kessler are unfortunate tragedies from bee sting allergic reactions. The tragedy is a lesson for those people who have a hypersensitivity to bee sting conditions. If a patient is hypersensitive to a bee sting, the obvious prevention is to stay away from wasps or bees. Patients should also avoid flowers or blooming trees with bright colors that attract these insects.

Additionally, allergic reactions are treated by emergency treatment with epinephrine. Speak to a doctor about emergency epinephrine injectors such as EpiPen or TwinJect. These medications can help reverse the effects of bee sting allergic reactions. Additionally, patients should wear emergency medical bracelets to alert personnel of the dangerous condition.

The copyright of the article Death of Andy Kessler from Allergic Reactions in Allergies is owned by Jennifer Marsh. Permission to republish Death of Andy Kessler from Allergic Reactions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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