How to detect medication allergies
A few weeks ago, a woman visited her dentist. She had a minor gum infection and was prescribed amoxicillin, one of the most common antibiotics, to treat it.
Three days after starting the medication, she developed a skin rash, her eyes turned red, and she had blotches on her face, as if she had been exposed to excessive sunlight, which she hadn't.
In the emergency room, and with the consent of the dentist, the medication was discontinued, and an antihistamine was injected, in addition to scheduling an appointment directly with one of our allergists.
Allergies to everything start this way: it wasn't the first time the patient had taken amoxicillin, but suddenly, it seemed to trigger an allergic reaction that needed to be controlled.
Medication allergy is an abnormal immune system response to a substance that can become harmful. The body identifies the substance that is supposed to heal it as a potential enemy and reacts accordingly: attacking the substance and releasing a toxin that causes various reactions as a warning that something bad is happening.
Common Symptoms of Medication Allergies
The most common symptoms resemble those of other allergies: hives, welts, and other skin reactions, swelling, inflammation of the mouth or any part of the body...
Some allergies can cause difficulty breathing due to bronchospasm or laryngeal inflammation, and occasionally, symptoms of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, digestive issues, or anaphylaxis may occur.
All these signs appear while taking the medication or shortly after completing the treatment.
What to Do If You Suspect Medication Allergy
As we explained in the case of the person with a possible amoxicillin allergy, it's essential to consult an expert and explain everything that has happened. Some questions will need answers:
- Whether or not there are any family history of similar allergies.
- If there is an allergy to any other medication, food, or external agent, such as cat hair.
- What symptoms occurred and, if possible, accompanied by a photo.
- How long the symptoms lasted.
- Any new medications that have been started.
- What other medications, vitamins, or supplements, whether prescription or over the counter, are being taken.
- If any of them have been recently stopped.
- What measures were taken against the allergic reaction.
All these questions, which may seem repetitive and difficult to answer, are crucial to identifying the cause of the allergy.
From there, the allergist will determine if a blood test is necessary, depending on the time that has passed since the allergic reaction, and subsequently, if a gradual provocation test is required.
In this procedure, the medication is administered, starting with small doses, and gradually increasing to the desired dose, while observing the body's reaction.
If there's tolerance to the therapeutic dose without a reaction occurring, the specialist will provide the necessary instructions for taking that medication.
In case of an allergic reaction, the allergist will study what type of alternative medications can be prescribed with complete safety.
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