Drug Allergies- Symptoms and Diagnosis

By | August 26, 2015

medication allergies

There are certain different types of allergies which are common these days. One of them is drug allergy which is a result of medication that causes the immune system to react. Developing a rash, or breathing problem are the major concerns that cause drug allergy.  These symptoms occur in the body when the medication you had caused the immune system to react and become sensitized to a substance. This as a result causes the immune system to fight the invader and hence, release chemicals that could protect the body and fight against it.

What Symptoms You Can Notice?

Whatever is the type of medicine whether it is liquid, in pills form or is inject able the body can react to it. The most common symptoms of drug allergy are skin rashes, itching, swelling or even breathing problems. It can also occur as in two different organs such as having skin rashes as well as having problem in breathing. These symptoms are not organ specific ,i.e.. they can occur in any part of the body.

Diagnosing Well

These allergies caused due to drug are really hard to diagnose. For some allergies such as rahes, swelling or hives resemble various other allergies. If you have penicillin type allergy then you are having an advantage as it can be diagnosed through a skin test.

You will need to answer your doctor about certain questions:

  • Any idea about the drug that may have caused the reaction?
  • When you did first took the medicine? Are you still consuming it?
  • When did you first notice the symptoms? What changes did you notice in your body?
  • How long did those symptoms last? What did you try to get relieve from them?
  • Any other medication you went through?
  • Consumption of any herbal medicine or any did you consume any minerals or vitamin pills?

Knowing these your doctor can easily find a treatment for your drug allergy. If you are susceptible to any other drug allergy or any other medications then you must inform your doctor about the same.

You may be suggested some tests such as skin tests or blood tests to reach the actual cause of your allergy. Drug allergies must not be given a chance. You must go to your allergy doctor to get a suitable advice.