SUPERNANNY star Jo Frost has opened up a “life threatening” medical condition that has previously left her “hospitalised”.
In an emotional new video, the TV personality revealed she has said anaphylaxis, as she urged others to be more compassionate toward those battling the condition.
Supernanny star Jo Frost reveals she’s battling a life threatening medical condition[/caption]
The TV personality said she’s had numerous anaphylactic shocks in her lifetime[/caption]
“I’ve survived more anaphylactic shocks than I’m prepared to go into detail about right now,” the 55-year-old shared.
“I have anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical condition to certain foods that will compromise my body so horrifically to the point of hospitalization,” she added.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly in response to food, medicine or insect stings.
Most people associate it with a swollen throat, difficulty breathing, an itchy rash and even fainting.
Jo spoke about her own experience with the condition in a bid to raise awareness for others and to stress the seriousness of it.
“Absolute millions of my community around the world, children and adults, live cautiously and anxiously navigating this journey with not nearly enough compassion, education and empathy from those who do not,” she continued.
“Today, everyone will know someone or someone who knows of one with anaphylaxis.
“If you ignore the severity of this medical condition, it’s as bad as shoving a loaded gun in my face.
“I did not ask for it, and it does not define who I am and the impact that I make in the world daily.”
The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis + what to do
SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with with the offending food or trigger, but they can also come on up to one hour later.
Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life threatening.
In some cases, anaphylaxis symptoms lead to collapse and unconsciousness and, on rare occasions, can be fatal so it’s important to know how to recognise them and act quickly.
Mild to moderate symptoms include:
- Itchy mouth, tongue and throat
- Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face
- Red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria)
- Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea
- Runny nose and sneezing
Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Swelling of your throat and tongue
- Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
- Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- Feeling tired or confused
- Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- Skin that feels cold to the touch
- Blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
Anaphylaxis and its symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency.
Follow these steps if you think you or someone you’re with is having an anaphylactic reaction:
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector.
- Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you’re having an anaphylactic reaction.
- Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you’re struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you’re pregnant, lie on your left side).
- If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it’s still in the skin.
- If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a second adrenaline auto-injector.
Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.
Sources: Allergy UK, NHS
The TV nanny and author explained that it is a daily battle and she has to be constantly vigilant when it comes to what she eats.
“But it does impact how I live my life daily, like the precautions I take, the energy I have to use to discern with hypervigilance,” she shared.
Jo also criticised restaurants who fail to pay attention to the dangers of the condition.
“By the way, I speak on behalf of those who also have celiac disease, too, because we are all not faddy eaters. I’m not looking to be treated special, I’m looking to be treated with the same dignity and attentiveness as you just showed others,” she went on to say.
She also hit out at people who have “passive-aggressive” comments because they don’t understand it.
Jo added: “Get curious and learn more, because really, as mentioned before, we all know someone.”
The parenting guru, who found fame through Channel 4 show Supernanny in 2004, has helped hundreds of parents over the years.
And despite her iconic show ending in 2008, she has remained an authority on parenting ever since – and often shares tips, tricks and advice on her Instagram page where she boasts more than 600,000 followers.
Jo hit out at people who have ‘passive-aggressive’ comments about the condition[/caption]
