the essential
The actor Michel Blanc, who died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 72 this Thursday, October 3, was the victim of a serious allergic reaction according to the medical examination. According to information from M6, he died from angioedema.
Michel Blanc died this Thursday, October 3 in a radiology office located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. According to information given on X by François Vignolle, head of investigations for M6 and BFMTV news, a medical source indicated that the death could be linked to angioedema. Michel Blanc was in the office for a routine examination when he suddenly collapsed. A few hours before, he had taken antibiotic treatment, according to our colleagues.
Quincke edema is rapid swelling of the skin and mucous membranes, mainly in the head and neck, caused by a severe allergic or inflammatory reaction, according to Health Insurance. This type of reaction can be triggered by several factors, such as a food allergy or insect bites. But especially taking medications such as antibiotics from the penicillin family.
Edema can develop very quickly, sometimes within two hours after contact with the allergen. The allergic reaction occurs because certain white blood cells, when they detect an allergen to which the body has been sensitized, release histamine. This release causes the inflammation and swelling characteristic of angioedema which can block the airways. Any further exposure to the allergen could worsen the reaction and lead to anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening emergency.
