overview
- A drug allergy is your immune system’s abnormal response to a drug. Any medication – over-the-counter, prescription or herbal medicine – can trigger a drug allergy. However, drug allergy is more likely with certain medications.
- The most common signs and symptoms of drug allergy are hives, rashes, or fever. A drug allergy can cause serious reactions, including a life-threatening disease that affects several systems in the body (anaphylaxis).
- A drug allergy is not the same as a drug side effect, a known possible reaction that is listed on a drug’s label. A drug allergy is also different from drug toxicity, which is caused by an overdose of the drug. Drug allergy treatment in hyderabad
symptom
Signs and symptoms of severe drug allergy often appear within an hour of taking a drug. Other reactions, especially rashes, may occur hours, days, or weeks later.
The signs and symptoms of a drug allergy can include:
- Itchy skin
- Urticaria
- itching
- fever
- swelling
- shortness of breath
- Panting
- Runny nose
The reasons
- A drug allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a drug as a harmful substance, such as a virus or bacteria. As soon as your immune system recognizes a drug as a harmful substance, it develops an antibody specific to that drug. This can happen the first time you take a medicine. However, sometimes an allergy does not develop until after repeated exposure.
- The next time you take the medicine, these specific antibodies signal the medicine and direct the immune system to attack the substance. The chemicals released by this activity cause the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.
- However, you may not be aware of your first exposure to a drug. Some evidence suggests that traces of a drug in the food supply, such as: B. an antibiotic, could be enough for the immune system to make an antibody against that drug. Drug allergy treatment in hyderabad
Risk factors
While anyone can be allergic to a medicine, there are a few things that can increase your risk. These include:
- A history of other allergies, such as B. a food allergy or hay fever
- A personal or family history of drug allergy
- Increased exposure to a drug due to high doses, repeated use, or prolonged use
prevention
If you have a drug allergy, the best prevention is to avoid the problem drug. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
Inform health workers. Make sure your drug allergy is clearly stated on your medical records. Inform other health care providers such as your dentist or a specialist.
Wear a bracelet. Wear a medical alert bracelet that identifies your drug allergy. This information can ensure appropriate treatment in an emergency. Drug allergy treatment in hyderabad