Title: TikToker’s Severe Allergic Reaction Captured on Video Sparks Concern and Warns Others to Take Symptoms Seriously
Subtitle: Shivaika Sewlal’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for allergy sufferers
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Cape Town, South Africa – Shivaika Sewlal, a popular TikToker and allergy influencer, recently shared a video documenting her severe allergic reaction to peanuts in a bid to raise awareness about the importance of taking allergic symptoms seriously. The video went viral, garnering over 22.2 million views and sparking a discussion among viewers regarding Sewlal’s initial reluctance to seek medical attention.
In the video posted on September 29, the 22-year-old influencer displayed significant swelling around her eyes and admitted to being unaware of the life-threatening nature of her allergic reaction. Commenting on her dilemma, Sewlal confessed that she considered not going to the hospital as she felt “completely fine” despite her facial swelling and impaired vision.
Known for her content centered around living with allergies, Sewlal documented her subsequent trip to the hospital in the video. She captured the unsettling experience of her facial recognition failing due to her swollen features and revealed an off-camera interaction with a doctor who inquired about her use of the adrenaline pen, also known as an EpiPen, which is commonly employed to treat severe allergic reactions. Sewlal admitted she had not used the pen, leading to a conversation about the importance of prompt action.
The remainder of the video depicted Sewlal receiving various injections, being placed on a drip, and sharing her fear and apprehension about the incident. She disclosed that her original plan had been to take an allergy tablet and sleep, underscoring the potential dangers of not seeking immediate medical attention.
The video received an influx of over 18,900 comments, with many expressing confusion as to why Sewlal did not recognize the gravity of the situation. One popular comment, gathering more than 122,000 likes, questioned why she hadn’t used her EpiPen.
Speaking to Insider, Sewlal revealed that she has had allergies since childhood and has experienced reactions to different foods, although not always severe. She explained that she was initially confused about the severity of her reaction as she hadn’t consumed anything she was allergic to. It was only after consulting with a doctor that Sewlal fully understood the potential life-threatening nature of her condition.
Sewlal now believes that she may have inadvertently touched a surface contaminated with peanuts and subsequently rubbed her eyes, leading to the swelling. The Mayo Clinic affirms that even a small amount of peanuts can trigger a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction in individuals with a severe allergy.
As an important message for her viewers, Sewlal insisted that anyone experiencing doubts about their symptoms should not hesitate to seek medical help. In a follow-up update the next day, she disclosed that while she was still experiencing swelling, she felt much better.
Sewlal shared her video with the intention of preventing others from making the same mistake she did and to highlight the potential consequences of neglecting severe allergic reactions. She emphasized the importance of using an EpiPen as soon as symptoms arise and urged her followers to do the same.
With almost 600,000 followers on TikTok, Sewlal has actively supported others with allergies, creating an online community for individuals suffering from severe eczema, allergies, and asthma. Through her videos, she aims to raise awareness about her conditions and empower others facing similar challenges.
In closing, Sewlal’s ordeal serves as a reminder that allergic reactions can have serious and life-threatening implications. It reinforces the necessity of immediate action, underscoring the importance of allergy education and support for those living with allergies.
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