META: Making anaphylaxis an integral aspect of Rodney McKay's character.

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

I just finished reading an e-newsletter about the unknown dangers of anaphylaxis and a campaign to educate the public by Julie Bowen (of Modern Family). Here's what it said (bolded area EXTREMELY relevant):

NOTE: Common symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction, which can happen anywhere from five to 30 minutes after exposure, include a red, usually itchy rash; a swollen throat or swollen areas of the body; wheezing; passing out; chest tightness; trouble breathing; a hoarse voice; trouble swallowing; vomiting; diarrhea; stomach cramping; a pale or red color to the face and body; and even a feeling of impending doom, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. While anaphylaxis is often talked about in the context of children—who are less likely to have encountered possible allergens yet and therefore may not realize that they cause problems—it can affect people of all ages.

The details amazed me and so I wonder if one of TPTB had more than a second-hand knowledge of anaphylaxis because the "feeling of impending doom" is something we came to expect of Rodney and his loathing of those enforced nature walks on unknown worlds, not to mention running for their lives back to the Stargate. But we attributed that to HIM instead of to his allergies.

We haven't always taken Rodney's apprehension and complaints seriously (neither did his teammates) but, considering the above, it's no wonder he carried such fears with him everywhere. It's also a shame that this aspect of his character was played more for laughs instead of launching an educational campaign to inform the public.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share because of that highlighted passage.