In daily life, some people may develop a drug allergy when using certain medications. This reaction is an unexpected response from the immune system to the drug. If you experience such a reaction, the diagnosis of a drug allergy should be made accurately by a healthcare professional. Drug side effects and drug allergies are different and should not be confused. Drug allergies can also develop in children, but adults have a higher risk of developing drug allergies.
What is a Drug Allergy?
A drug allergy is an unexpected immune response that occurs shortly after using a drug at the correct dose and through the right administration method. These reactions can manifest as minor symptoms like rashes and itching, but they can also lead to severe cases like anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening.
What Are the Symptoms of a Drug Allergy?
Drug allergy symptoms can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include:
- Rash and redness on the skin
- Urticaria (Hives)
- Fever
- Itching
- Runny nose
- Swelling of the face and body
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Anaphylaxis
- Abnormal liver and kidney values
Drug allergy symptoms may appear within a few hours after taking the medication or even days later. The symptoms may initially seem insignificant but may gradually worsen. Skin rashes that appear harmless initially can lead to shortness of breath and progress if drug usage continues.
Drug allergy and drug side effects are two issues that should not be confused. Drug allergies are unexpected immune reactions, whereas drug side effects are known possible reactions that can be anticipated and even categorized into risk groups.
What Are the Causes of Drug Allergy?
It is not possible to specify exact causes for drug allergies. Since everyone’s immune system functions uniquely, the causes of drug allergies vary from person to person. While drug allergies are not very common, the frequency of allergic reactions has increased in recent years with the development of new medications. Certain situations may act as risk factors for drug allergies.
These situations include:
- A history of known allergies, such as taking spring allergy medications
- A history of multiple drug use
- A family history of drug allergy
- Genetic factors
- Certain viral infections (e.g., HIV, EBV)
- Age
The incidence of drug allergies is higher in young and middle-aged adults. Additionally, drug allergies are more common in women than in men. Oral (by mouth) drug use has a lower allergy risk, whereas administering the drug intramuscularly or intravenously increases the risk.
This is due to the rapid and high-dose absorption of the drug into the body via these routes. It is recommended to wait 15-30 minutes at a healthcare facility after intramuscular or intravenous injections. Most allergic reactions occur within the first 15 minutes following infusion.
How is Drug Allergy Diagnosed?
Several methods can diagnose a drug allergy. First, a patient history is taken, followed by a thorough physical examination, and then tests may be ordered based on the medications used. Skin allergy testing and blood tests may be requested for diagnosis.
In skin allergy testing, specific allergenic substances are applied to tiny incisions on the skin. The allergen is determined by observing which spot shows swelling. In blood tests, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) is usually checked in the serum. For more detailed research, the suspected drug may be administered under controlled conditions to diagnose which drug caused the allergy and how the reaction developed.
How is Drug Allergy Treated?
First, the use of the drug that caused the allergy is discontinued under the supervision of a doctor. A doctor may prescribe another drug with the same function but a different active ingredient.
If the medication cannot be discontinued, a procedure known as “desensitization” can be administered under the supervision of an allergy specialist in a hospital. In the desensitization method, the drug is gradually introduced into the body at very low doses, allowing the body to adjust to the medication.
Minor symptoms caused by drug allergies, such as rashes and redness, can be treated with corticosteroid or antihistamine medications. For this, it is recommended to consult an allergy and immunology specialist. For cases of drug allergies in children, consulting a pediatric immunologist is advisable.
The most severe symptom is anaphylactic shock, and in the event of anaphylaxis, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care. In the case of shock, swelling in the airways may prevent breathing, and the person may even lose consciousness.
In such cases, intubation may be required. Swelling in the airways is caused by angioedema, where fluid from blood vessels passes into the tissues, resulting in swelling known as edema. Swelling is most common in the head, neck, and extremities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Allergy
Do Spring Allergy Medications Cause Allergies?
Many people with pollen allergies use medications, but as with any drug, spring allergy medications can also trigger allergic reactions. Though rare, all symptoms from simple skin rashes to systemic reactions may occur. Therefore, allergies to allergy medications themselves can develop. In addition, pollen allergy medications may cause side effects such as drowsiness, numbness, dry mouth, and dizziness.
How to Relieve Itching from Drug Allergy?
Itching from drug allergies can be relieved with topical creams or oral antihistamine tablets prescribed by a doctor. Antihistamines help prevent the immune system from developing an allergic reaction.
Applying cold compresses to the itchy area can also help reduce blood flow and alleviate itching. In addition, taking a warm shower, wearing loose-fitting clothes, and applying moisturizing lotions can help reduce itching. It is best to avoid excessive scratching in the affected area.
How Long Does a Drug Allergy Last?
Drug allergies may develop within the first hour after taking the drug, known as an early reaction. Reactions occurring after an hour are called delayed reactions. The duration of the allergy depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s immune system, and it can vary. Allergic reactions should be treated as soon as they are noticed.
What Herbal Remedies Help with Drug Allergies?
Drug allergies result from the chemical components in medications and should be treated with the drugs recommended by a doctor. Therefore, herbal products should not be used to treat drug allergies without a doctor’s recommendation. Herbal remedies may accelerate the effect of the drug that triggered the allergy and may worsen the reaction, leading to severe consequences like shortness of breath and loss of consciousness.
What Helps with Lip Swelling from Drug Allergy?
Antihistamine medications and cold compresses can help relieve lip swelling due to a drug allergy. Anti-inflammatory medications recommended by a doctor can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain, if any. However, it is essential to discontinue the use of the drug causing the swelling in the first place.
How is Drug Allergy Diagnosed?
There is no way to detect a drug allergy in advance. However, after using a drug, symptoms that appear can lead to a diagnosis through a detailed patient history, blood tests, and allergy tests conducted by a healthcare provider.
By combining all findings, a diagnosis can be made. If redness, rash, itching, and swelling occur shortly after drug intake, especially around the face, eyes, and mouth, and if there is difficulty breathing, this may indicate a drug allergy.