What are drug allergies?
Drug allergy is a reaction of the body and the immune system to a drug that eventually becomes harmful to our own body. It is an abnormal reaction of the immune system.
A drug allergy can be distinguished from a side effect, a known reaction indicated on the package leaflet.
Symptoms of drug allergy
The symptoms of drug allergy are similar to those of other allergies. The most common would be hives, hives and other skin reactions such as edema, swelling of the mouth, face or any other area of the body.
Difficulty in breathing due to bronchospasm or inflammation of the larynx would also be part of the basic symptomatology. Sometimes there are also symptoms of rhinitis and conjunctivitis, as well as symptoms of anaphylaxis, digestive symptoms…
Symptoms appear when the drug is being taken or shortly after finishing a treatment with the drug.
What are the causes of drug allergy?
A drug allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a drug as harmful to the body, and the immune system creates an antibody specific to that substance.
The next time the drug is ingested, the immune system attacks the substance, releasing the toxic substance into the body and causing the symptoms of the allergic reaction.
Can they be prevented?
The best way to prevent drug allergy is to avoid exposure to the problematic drug.
If a drug allergy is known, it should be made clear in the medical record. In turn, the use of a medical alert bracelet that identifies the allergy can ensure proper treatment in the event of a medical emergency.
What is the treatment?
The treatment of drug allergy varies depending on when the allergy is intervened. The first case would be the treatment at the moment the reaction appears, including two sections: treatment of acute symptoms and treatment of the previous disease that made you take the drug.
The second case includes the avoidance of the treatment and the use of an alternative treatment in case it exists. If not, pretreatment with another medication or, finally, desensitization will be considered.