Drug Allergy Is Different From Drug Side Effects

Medical Video: Discover Brigham Drug Allergy Research Video - Brigham and Women's Hospital

Drug allergy is an allergic reaction to certain drugs or medications. Allergic reactions mean that your immune system identifies drugs as foreign substances and acts to remove them from your body. The immune system responds to foreign substances in various ways, all of which lead to inflammation. This inflammatory response can cause you to have symptoms such as rashes, fever, or respiratory problems.

Drug allergy itself is actually not common. According to the World Allergy Organization (WAO), this condition occurs in only 3 to 5 percent of patients who are hospitalized. Even more than 90 percent of all drug allergy cases are actually caused by other things.

Is drug allergy dangerous?

The symptoms of a drug allergy may be so mild that you don't pay attention to them. You may experience nothing more than a rash on the skin. However, severe drug allergies can be life threatening. Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe whole body reaction to other drugs or allergies. This usually occurs immediately after exposure to the substance and the symptoms include an irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, swelling, and unconsciousness. If not treated immediately, anaphylaxis can be fatal.

Why can a drug allergy occur?

Your immune system is designed to protect you from foreign substances, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other toxic substances. When a drug enters your body, your immune system may respond to it as a dangerous substance. This may occur when you use a drug for the first time, or it may occur even if you have used the drug many times without problems.

Once this drug is identified as a threat, the immune system starts making antibodies. This substance is a special protein programmed to attack only one drug.

Some drugs, such as morphine, aspirin, some chemotherapy drugs, and dyes used in some x-rays, can cause anaphylactic reactions when first used. This condition does not involve the immune system and is not an actual allergy. However, the symptoms and treatment are the same as for true anaphylaxis, and this is equally life threatening.

What is the difference between drug side effects and drug allergies?

Side effects are a secondary result of drug use. This condition may be detrimental, it may also be beneficial. Side effects are something that might happen to healthy people who take medication, and do not always involve the immune system.

For example, aspirin, which is used to treat headaches, often causes abdominal pain (adverse side effects) but also reduces your risk of having a heart attack and stroke (beneficial side effects); acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is used for pain, is associated with liver damage (adverse side effects); Nitroglycerin, which is used to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow, can also improve mental function (beneficial side effects).

While drug allergies are a group of symptoms caused by an allergic reaction to a drug. An allergic reaction is the result of a response from your immune system.

What are the long-term consequences for someone with a drug allergy?

Your immune system can change from time to time and maybe your allergies will decrease or even disappear. However, it can also be worse. If you have symptoms of a drug allergy or side effects on the medication you are using, consult your doctor.

Mild allergic reactions to drugs can usually be controlled with other drugs to block the immune response and reduce symptoms. These drugs can include:

Antihistamines: This is a drug that relieves the symptoms of an allergic reaction by blocking the production of histamine, which is a body substance produced to respond to substances that are considered dangerous. Histamine release can trigger allergic symptoms such as swelling, itching, or irritation.

Corticosteroids: This drug is used to reduce inflammation which can cause respiratory tract swelling and other serious symptoms. Corticosteroids can be given orally, topically, or by injection.

Bronchodilator: If you experience wheezing or coughing, your doctor may recommend bronchodilators. This drug will open the respiratory tract and make breathing easier.

If you have had a drug allergic reaction before, you should avoid using the drug in the future. Your doctor will usually recommend other drugs to treat you.

In some cases, it may still be more beneficial for you to use certain drugs even if you are allergic. If this happens, you may be given antihistamines, corticosteroids, or bronchodilators before using the drug. But this method should only be done under strict medical supervision.

In some cases, you can feel sensitive to the drug. This condition involves repeated exposure to the drug. Your doctor will start with a very low dose which will gradually increase until you can tolerate it. But remember, you should not try to set your own dose without close supervision from a doctor

If you know that you are allergic to any drug, be sure to inform your doctor about everything, including the dentist and other medical personnel who might prescribe the medication. It is better to wear a bracelet or necklace or carry a card that identifies your drug allergy in an emergency, this method can save your life.

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