Drug Allergies
Our Team Has Drug Allergy Expertise in Burbank, CA
SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers evaluate and manage many types of allergic reactions, including suspected drug allergies. We know drug allergies can be scary and confusing. You might wonder if a rash is from your new medication or have concerns about taking a prescription because one of your family members had a bad reaction. Understanding drug allergies will help you stay safe or get the treatment you need. Rely on our specialists in Burbank to determine what’s causing your drug allergy symptoms and create a plan to keep you healthy.
What Is a Drug Allergy?
A drug allergy happens when your immune system reacts poorly to a medicine. Your body thinks the drug is harmful, even when it’s not. This causes your immune system to fight the medicine, which leads to uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms.
However, not all adverse reactions signify allergies. For example, an upset stomach from antibiotics is usually a side effect, not an allergy. True drug allergies involve the immune system and can be more serious. They can happen with prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. Even medicines you’ve taken before without problems can sometimes cause allergic reactions.
Common Drug
Allergies
Some medicines cause allergic reactions more often than others. Here are the most common drug allergies:
- Antibiotics – These are the biggest cause of drug allergic reactions, with penicillin and related antibiotics creating the most problems. Sulfa antibiotics also trigger many allergic reactions.
- Pain Medicines – Aspirin and ibuprofen can cause reactions. Some people are allergic to stronger pain medicines prescribed after surgery or for chronic pain.
- Seizure Medicines – These medicines may cause reactions impacting the skin and other organs.
- Chemotherapy Drugs – Strong medicines used to treat cancer can trigger immune system reactions, sometimes severely.
- Contrast Dyes – Used for medical imaging like CT scans or X-rays, contrast dyes cause immediate allergic reactions in some people.
What Are the Symptoms of a Drug Allergy?
Drug allergy symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. Additionally, some won’t appear right away. Delayed reactions can include severe rashes or organ problems that don’t occur until days or weeks after you start taking a medicine. Knowing what to look for will enable you to get help quickly.
- Mild symptoms include skin rash, hives, or itching. You might also have a runny nose, watery eyes, or mild swelling. These symptoms are uncomfortable but usually not dangerous.
- Moderate symptoms include widespread rash, swelling of the face or hands, and trouble breathing. You might also feel dizzy or have stomach pain. Moderate drug allergy symptoms require medical attention.
- Severe symptoms can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is the most serious allergic reaction. Signs include trouble breathing, severe swelling, a fast heartbeat, and loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.
How Is a Drug Allergy Diagnosed?
When diagnosing a drug allergy, our doctors will begin by asking about your symptoms and when they start. We’ll also want to know what drugs you were taking and when you began each. Tell us about all the medicines, supplements, and vitamins you take. Even things that seem unrelated might be important.
Allergy testing can help with some drug allergies. Skin tests work well for penicillin allergies, and blood tests can check for certain types of drug reactions. However, testing isn’t available for all medicines. Sometimes, the only way to know if you’re allergic is to stop the suspected medicine and see if symptoms disappear. We may suggest this approach when testing isn’t possible.
How Are Drug Allergies Treated?
The main treatment for drug allergies is avoiding the medicine that causes problems. Your doctor can help you find safe alternatives. Desensitization is also sometimes possible for important medicines. This means taking tiny doses that slowly increase over time. In certain cases, desensitization can allow patients to temporarily tolerate important medicines under strict supervision, though this does not eliminate the allergy. The practice only works for certain drugs and must be supervised by specialists.
It’s also important to know drug allergy treatments to address symptoms:
- For mild reactions, stopping the medicine and taking antihistamines usually helps. Cool compresses can soothe itchy skin. Most mild symptoms go away within a few days.
- Moderate reactions might need prescription medicines. Your doctor may prescribe stronger antihistamines or steroid medicines to reduce inflammation.
- Severe reactions need emergency treatment. Epinephrine can stop anaphylaxis. Some patients also need IV medicines and oxygen in a hospital setting.
What You Should Do After Discovering a Drug Allergy
Discovering you have a drug allergy is important information that can keep you safe. Here’s what you should do once you know about an allergy:
- Tell all your doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, and make sure your drug allergy is added to your medical records.
- Get a medical alert, necklace or bracelet. This tells emergency workers about your allergies in case you can’t speak for yourself.
- Learn the names of medicines you should avoid. Also, learn about related medicines that might cause similar reactions.
- If you’ve had severe reactions, your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. Learn how to use it and always carry it with you.
You Can Count on SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers
Our SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers team understands how concerning drug allergies can be. That’s why we provide tailored, comprehensive drug allergy treatments for our patients in Burbank, CA, and the surrounding areas. We use the latest testing methods to accurately diagnose drug allergies and ensure you avoid dangerous reactions. Our goal is to help you manage your drug allergy while getting the medical care you need.
Contact Our Specialists Today
Don’t let drug allergy concerns keep you from getting proper medical treatment. Our specialists will evaluate your drug allergy symptoms, provide accurate testing, and create a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your health safely. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.