What are drug allergies?
Our body is normally quite adept at determining what to fight off and what is harmless and should be let into our systems. However, this complex process can go awry, causing a large immune response to an otherwise harmless substance. This can occur with many substances, drugs or medications being one of the common ones. If you have a drug allergy, your body’s immune system overreacts to a medication, triggering an overblown immune response. This can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms and prevent you from taking the medication in the future.
What are the symptoms of drug allergies?
Symptoms of drug allergies can vary from person-to-person, and include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Cough
- Facial swelling
- Itching
- Skin rashes
- Respiratory distress
In certain cases, anaphylaxis can occur. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires medical attention immediately. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can even cause death.
What medications commonly cause allergies?
It is possible to be allergic to any medication. However, there are some medications that cause allergies more often. These include:
- Anticonvulsants
- Antibiotics
- Lidocaine
- Blood pressure medications
- Opioids
- Aspirin
If you know that you have a drug allergy or suspect that you might, it is important to let your doctor know immediately.
Can drug allergies be treated?
For the most part, if you have a drug allergy, the best way to manage the condition is to avoid taking the medication. Most medications have alternatives that can give you the same benefits, but eliminate the allergic reaction. If you have severe allergies to a medication, it may be a good idea to carry an epinephrine injector just in case you are exposed.
If you must take the medication to which you are allergic and there are no satisfactory alternatives, there are methods to slowly acclimate your body to the medication, thus lessening the reaction. The team at Allergy and Asthma Consultants will work with you to effectively manage your drug allergy and answer any questions you may have.
To learn more about drug allergies and what you can do to protect yourself, call the nearest office or book online today to schedule your first appointment with the team at Allergy and Asthma Consultants.
