TRAGIC TAKE OUT
Man, 27, died after eating a single mouthful of takeaway chicken curry ‘he’d had many times before’
The NHS has set out guidelines of what to do if someone is suffering anaphylaxis
A MAN died after eating just a single mouthful of curry that he had eaten before, an inquest heard.
Joseph Higginson, 27, from Bury, tragically lost his life days after having the butter chicken because of an allergy to almonds, Rochdale Coroners' Court was told.
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The mechanic was told by an allergist he was allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, almonds and coconuts in June 2022, but he didn’t take his allergies seriously, his sister Emily said.
After his death on in January last year, the family are now trying to raise awareness of the dangers of allergies.
She told the : “People with allergies should always take the situation seriously.
"It is not something that can be taken for granted — the severity can change throughout a person's lifetime.”
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Emily added: “He was cheeky and enjoyed a night out. He liked the good things. He has a lovely group of friends who have been amazing and supportive.”
Britain has one of the highest levels of allergic conditions in the world, with one in five Brits affected by at least one disorder, according to Allergy UK.
Deadly anaphylaxis is caused by the body's immune system overreacting, and can be set off by allergies to anything from foods, like nuts or shellfish, to general anaesthetic.
The number of UK hospital admissions for anaphylaxis increased more than six-fold in the two decades up to 2012, the charity said.
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Warning signs include feeling lightheaded or faint, difficulty breathing, a raised heartbeat, clammy skin and confusion or anxiety.
If someone is suffering from it, you may need to use an adrenaline auto-injector on them if they have one and you know how to use it, according to the NHS.
Ambulances should also be rung immediately.
Joseph’s symptoms came on as soon as he had a bite of the curry from Mala Indian Restaurant on December 28, 2022, the inquest heard.
TRAGIC REACTION
The restaurant “clearly indicated” the dish contained almonds and had stated all the correct allergy information and awareness it had to, the coroner said.
He suddenly stood up and rushed to the kitchen sink before running upstairs after taking a mouthful.
Emily gave him a shot of his Epipen in his thigh but he collapsed.
He was put in the recovery position and an ambulance was rung before Emily gave him an injection of adrenaline.
Paramedics gave him CPR and he was rushed to Royal Bolton Hospital but he sadly died days later.
What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis and what should you do?
Symptoms of anaphylaxis happen very quickly.
They usually start within minutes of coming into contact with something you're allergic to, such as a food, medicine or insect sting.
Symptoms 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
You may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.
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 2nd adrenaline auto-injector.
Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.
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