Roco's daughter dies of allergic reaction

MANILA, Philippines - A daughter of the late Sen. Raul Roco died of acute respiratory failure resulting from severe allergy at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City Monday night. She was 40.

Sophia “Pia” Linda Roco-Avanceña was cremated early yesterday morning.

The urn containing her ashes is at the Maria de la Strada Church along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City until Friday.

Pia was second of the six children of Roco, who died of cancer on Aug. 5, 2005, and Sonia Roco.

She left behind her daughter Nicolai Francesca and husband Ricky.

Pia was really prone to allergies, according to a family friend, who refused to be named.

Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, head executive assistant of Health Secretary Enrique Ona, said that severe allergies could lead to death if anaphylactic shock develops.

“It’s the constriction of the air passageway because of inflammation,” she said.

“Those who are prone to allergies should really be conscious of things that can trigger an allergic attack. They should also have their medicine with them always,” she said.

“At the first sign of allergy, anti-histamine medicine could be taken to reduce the allergens and then bring the patient to the nearest hospital for proper treatment,” Oliveros said.