Allergic reactions to antibiotics ranging from mild to fatal

Antibiotic allergy affects one in 15 people, especially penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics. Although allergic reactions to antibiotics are generally harmless, in some cases they can cause death.

Antibiotics are drugs that are used to kill bacteria that cause infections. Someone with throat, ear, urinary tract infections or sinus infections caused by bacteria must take antibiotics so that the infection can be cured. Antibiotics are different types with different goals and work methods. But before taking antibiotics, make sure you don't have a history of allergies to this type of antibiotic.

Symptoms of antibiotic allergy

An allergic reaction to antibiotics usually occurs after the patient takes certain antibiotic drugs. Similar to other allergic reactions to drugs, allergic reactions to antibiotics can also appear marked by various symptoms.

Classified as mild symptoms, if an allergic reaction to antibiotics is limited to the skin becomes red, itchy, dry and swollen. In more severe allergic reactions, the consumption of antibiotics can cause blisters and peeling skin. In addition, more severe allergic reactions can cause visual disturbances and increased swelling in certain body parts, such as lips and eyelids, with itching.

Allergic antibiotics that are classified as severe can cause anaphylactic reactions in patients. The patient will experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, tingling and fainting. Although rare, patients with anaphylaxis can lose their lives if they are not treated immediately.
Overcoming antibiotic allergies

To determine the antibiotic allergy, the doctor will likely see what medication is being consumed and will confirm through a history of complaints that occur during the physical examination of the patient.

Meanwhile, to be more specific about the causes of allergies, doctors can offer allergy tests in the form of blood tests, patch tests or puncture tests on antibiotics that are suspected to cause allergies. If this test has been proven and shows an allergy to certain classes of antibiotics, the first step is to stop giving antibiotics and replace them with other types of antibiotics that do not cause allergic reactions. .

Medications that are usually prescribed by doctors to treat allergic reactions include:

antihistamines

Antihistamines are used to reduce or stop itching, rashes, and sneezing due to antibiotic allergies. The use of antihistamines can cause drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Therefore it is not recommended to take this medicine while driving. Side effects of antihistamines include dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, difficulty urinating and blurred vision.

corticosteroid

Corticosteroids can be given to treat inflammation caused by more severe allergic reactions. In general, the use of corticosteroids does not cause significant side effects if consumed at low doses and for a short period of time according to the dosage recommended by a doctor. During this time, possible side effects include increased appetite, mood swings, and insomnia.

epinephrine

Epinephrine is used to treat antibiotic allergies that cause anaphylactic reactions. This medicine is intended to increase blood pressure and help patients breathe. Epinephrine injections are usually given to the muscles, such as the outside of the thigh. The administration of epinephrine should be reconsidered for safety reasons in patients with a history of heart disease, hypertension, asthma, Parkinson's disease, depression, thyroid or adrenal glands, and non-diabetic diabetes. controlled.

Watch for allergic reactions to antibiotics that happen to you. Tell your family of allergy history, every time you receive a prescription for antibiotics, to avoid repeated allergic reactions. If a serious antibiotic allergic reaction occurs, seek medical help immediately or go to the emergency room of the nearest medical center.