Skin allergies in adults are accompanied by redness, swelling and rash. It not only spoils the appearance of the skin, it also causes a lot of trouble in the form of itching, peeling and pain.

Most people try to find allergy pills on the skin (in adults) that eliminate the symptoms of an allergic nature.

Causes of allergies

Allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the body to foreign allergens, which is expressed by different symptoms. One of them is considered - the occurrence of changes on the skin in the form of hives, rashes or red spots.

Itching is one of the first symptoms of skin allergies.

People suffer from allergic dermatoses for several millennia, but over the years the number of patients increases. This is due to the deterioration of the environment, the constant contact of people with household chemicals, the frequent use of medicines and vitamins, food additives and genetically modified products.

The risk group includes people of different professions:

• physicians;
• hairdressers;
• builders;
• chemists;
• food industry workers.

Increasingly, such manifestations of skin allergies begin to progress, such as:

• hives,
• eczema,
• diffuse neurodermatitis;
• contact dermatitis.

Treatment of skin allergies with antihistamines

In order to recover from allergies and feel comfortable, the attending physician prescribes medications. It is not possible to quickly get rid of this disease. Initially, it is only possible to reduce the body's reaction to the stimulus.

Therapeutic pills only relieve the symptoms

Note! It was revealed that when an allergen is exposed to the body, a substance is produced - histamine, which is the cause of the disease.

Antihistamine pills will help get rid of skin allergies in adults

Since they block the production of histamine, thus protecting against allergies.

All drugs in this group have a therapeutic effect and relieve:

• edema;
• redness;
• inflammation;
• exacerbation occurs.

The drug Cetrin in different forms of release

Antihistamines are most commonly prescribed by doctors. Usually, drugs are chosen that cause drowsiness and various side effects the least - these are Claritin, Zirtek, Cetrin, Erius and others.

It's important to know! Taking pills for skin allergies (in adults), you must definitely drink sorbents to speed up the cleansing of the body from histamines.

Antihistamines of the 1st generation, their characteristics

The very first appeared antihistamines of the 1st generation. They have a number of common, largely similar qualities, which consist in a short-term effect. Therefore, you have to take these medicines repeatedly.

Antihistamines are the first remedy commonly prescribed for allergies.

Consider the features of 1st generation antihistamines:

• Due to the fact that a high dose of antihistamines is prescribed, some patients experience side effects. These drugs calm the nervous system and are hypnotics.
• They can increase the effect of other medicines, as well as stop vomiting, coughing resulting from allergies.
• Increase the viscosity of human body fluids. This manifests itself in the form of dryness in the nasopharynx, peeling of the lips, difficulty urinating.
• Every 2-3 weeks, you need to change drugs related to the 1st generation, as their effect on the allergen decreases.
• The advantages of 1st generation antihistamines are that they can be taken simultaneously with food, and this does not affect their therapeutic effect, they are not addictive, the sedative effect does not last long, after a short time they begin to act.
• These drugs have a low cost, so they are widely used. They are part of separate combined preparations.

Suprastin - a drug that blocks allergies for a short time

For skin allergies, the best medicines are:

• Suprastin is one of the most popular drugs, but its action stops quickly, so it is best to take it for insect bites, as well as for eczema, atopic dermatitis, itching, and urticaria.
• Diphenhydramine is a remedy that has been proven over the years, it cleanses the skin well from allergic rashes, and causes drowsiness.
• Diazolin is a little weaker than Diphenhydramine, but in critical situations it provides the necessary assistance during an attack.

Fenistil in different forms for ease of use externally and internally

• Fenistil - this drug has a mild sedative effect, perfectly relieves redness and itching on the skin.
• Tavegil - is considered an effective and, most importantly, fast-acting remedy.

Features of modern antihistamines

Relatively recently, 2nd generation antihistamines have appeared. They differ from the previous ones in that they do not cause slight dizziness and drowsiness.

It is enough to take the prescribed dose once a day

After the drugs are canceled, they will continue to work for a week.

With dermatoses on the skin in adults, antihistamine tablets of the 2nd generation are prescribed for allergies.

It can be:

• Acrivastine is a highly effective drug that is prescribed for various types of urticaria, allergic dermatosis, itchy atopic eczema.
• Astemizol - is quickly absorbed, the therapeutic effect lasts throughout the day, sometimes more, well removes all types of skin allergies.
• Claritin is one of the most popular and purchased drugs. It has many positive qualities. One of them is that it does not interact with other drugs.

A little later, 3rd generation drugs appeared. These are products of metabolism, drugs of the 2nd generation. 3rd generation antihistamines are called prodrugs. When it enters the human body, they produce a therapeutic effect, turning into an active form. They have far fewer side effects and greater therapeutic value.

The most famous are 2 drugs.

• Zyrtec - very actively used for skin dermatosis. It penetrates the skin in a short time and relieves all types of allergies.

Zyrtec is a 3rd generation drug

• Telfast - it is considered a safer remedy, as it has few side effects. Good for idiopathic urticaria. This is one of the promising drugs.

The positive properties of these drugs is that they do not cause drowsiness and negative effects on the heart.

New generation antihistamines, their benefits

Antihistamines of the 4th generation have reached the maximum improvement. They quickly, but also for a long time, can relieve all allergy symptoms.

4th generation antihistamines do not harm the heart

They were brought out quite recently, so only a few species are known, each drug is unique in its own way.

Antihistamine tablets for skin allergies in adults, related to the 4th generation:

• Erius - most often prescribed for chronic forms of urticaria.

Erius and Telfast - new generation drugs

• Telfast - is the most famous and popular drug, with worldwide significance, it relieves all types of allergies.

Corticosteroids to treat allergies

The adrenal cortex produces hormones called corticosteroids. They play an important role in the life of the body, keeping the state of the immune system under control.

When it is not possible to get rid of allergies with antihistamines, then prescribe synthetic corticosteroids. They are divided into 2 conditional groups - these are glucocorticoids, that is, cortisone or hydrocortisone, as well as mineralocorticoids, represented by aldosterone.

From skin allergies in adults, the most prescribed pills include:

• Prednisolone is a powerful remedy for relieving and treating allergy symptoms on the skin.
• Celeston - the remedy is widely used for allergic eczema, contact dermatitis and other types.

Celeston is a corticosteroid drug.

• Kenakort - effective in almost all types of allergies, indicated for urticaria, various allergic rashes.
• Berlikort - used to relieve allergies in the form of urticaria, chronic dermatitis.

Immunomodulators for skin allergies

Most often, allergic reactions occur in people with weak immunity.

Important to remember! Everyone who has manifestations of allergies on the skin should not only take antihistamines, but also increase immunity with the help of immunomodulators.

Likopid is an immunomodulating drug

Therefore, they are additionally added to general therapy with allergies. Especially those who have it turned into a chronic form. Thanks to them, it is possible to protect patients from serious complications. Immunomodulators are taken during the acute period and outside the manifestations to strengthen the immune system, and the allergic reaction has not recurred.

Immunomodulators include:

• Viferon;
• Derinat;
• Timolin;
• Immunofan.

Enterosorbents in tablets for the treatment of allergies

To cleanse the body of the toxic effects of the allergen, enterosorbents are prescribed. They are used for all types of allergies, as well as for dermatoses: atopic and allergic.

Activated carbon is the most popular sorbent

They find the same toxins in the intestines, bind them together and bring them out through the organs of the excretory system. From allergies, sorbent tablets are prescribed, which help to reduce symptoms on the skin in adults.

Among the most prescribed for allergies are the following drugs:

• Activated charcoal - appoint several tablets per dose, depending on weight, 3 times a day, with a duration of 7 days.
• White charcoal - recommended for adults in the same way as activated charcoal.
• Laktofiltrum is an effective sorbent, which is used for 1 dose from 2 to 3 tablets, three times a day.

Laktofiltrum - a probiotic for the restoration of microflora

And so, the pharmaceutical industry has released a large number of remedies for relieving allergy symptoms on the skin in the form of tablets, but only a doctor will be able to choose the right medicine to get rid of this ailment.

Symptoms and treatment of urticaria - one of the manifestations of allergies on the skin. Details in a helpful video:

Another look at allergies and methods of its treatment. Watch an interesting video:

A little about Erius tablets: instructions for use. Watch video review:

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Allergic reactions to drugs are widespread, since absolutely any drug can cause a negative response of the body.

A person can experience both minor side effects such as nausea or skin rashes, and more serious effects, such as anaphylaxis, when life is at risk.

You can learn more about which drugs cause allergies, how and where you can get tested for allergies, in the article.

Manifestation of drug allergy

Drug allergy (ICD code 10: Z88) is based on intolerance reactions caused by various mechanisms. These mechanisms include immediate type reactions and delayed reactions, which are immunological processes involving antibodies, and those substances that are associated with cellular immunity.

The main reason for an allergic reaction is that the body recognizes the active ingredient of the drug as foreign. As a result, the immune system launches protective mechanisms, producing class E antibodies that release the inflammatory mediator - histamine, which causes the clinical manifestations of allergy.

Due to the large number of types of reactions, drug allergies can be very diverse in appearance and vary greatly in intensity.

Sometimes, the side effects that occur after taking the remedy can be difficult to distinguish from a true allergy. As a rule, side effects are the most common and are associated with an overdose of the drug, and not with the immune system.

The second difference is that the severity of adverse reactions increases with dose, while for people with allergies, even a small amount of the drug can cause an allergic reaction that can range from minor symptoms to a life-threatening situation.

Theoretically, any drug can cause an allergy, but the most common reactions are to:

• antibiotics: penicillin, cephalosporins and sulfonamides;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: ibuprofen and indomethacin;
• drugs to normalize blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme);
• drugs used to relieve rheumatic pain;
• antiepileptic drugs;
• insulin;
• muscle relaxants;
• neuroleptics;
• vitamins;
• quinine-containing products;
• and even herbal homeopathic preparations.

Drug allergies can be caused either directly by a drug, in the case of penicillin, vaccines, insulin, and intravenous drugs that directly affect the immune system, or indirectly, as a result of taking a histamine-releasing agent.

Drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid, anti-inflammatory drugs, some local anesthetics, or intravenous contrast agents may be an indirect cause of drug allergy.

The route of administration of the drug also plays a role: intravenous administration carries more allergic risks than oral administration.

Drug Allergy - Symptoms

What a drug allergy looks like: Symptoms can range from mild skin irritation to arthritis and kidney problems. The reaction of the body can affect several systems, but most often affects the skin.

Unlike other types of adverse reactions, the number and severity of allergic reactions do not usually correlate with the amount of medication taken. For people who are allergic to the drug, even a small amount of the drug can cause an allergic reaction.

As a rule, the onset of symptoms occurs within an hour after taking medications, which can be of the following types:

• Skin reactions, often called exanthema. Drug exanthema (rash) is characterized by an allergic skin reaction that occurs after taking certain medications.

• Redness and itching of the skin on the arms, legs and other parts of the body;

• Urticaria (urticaria), red spots on the skin;

• Narrowing of the airways and wheezing;
• Swelling of the upper airways that interferes with breathing;
• Drop in blood pressure, sometimes to dangerous levels.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Serum disease. This is a systemic reaction of the body that may occur in response to the administration of a drug or vaccine. In this case, the immune system misidentifies the drug or protein in the vaccine as harmful and mounts an immune response to fight it, causing inflammation and many other symptoms that develop 7 to 21 days after the first exposure to the drug.
• Anaphylactic shock. It is a sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction that involves every system in the body. Symptoms may take minutes or even seconds to develop.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• labored breathing;
• wheezing;
• fast or weak pulse;
• arrhythmia;
• blue skin, especially lips and nails;
• swelling of the larynx;
• dizziness;
• skin redness, hives and itching;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain;
• confusion or loss of consciousness;
• anxiety;
• fuzzy speech.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If any of these symptoms appear, it is worth calling an ambulance, describing in detail to the dispatcher how an allergy to drugs manifests itself.

In less than one or two weeks after taking the drug, other signs and symptoms may appear:

• change in the color of urine;
• pain in muscles and joints;
• fever;
• swelling of the lymph nodes of the throat.

Diagnosis of drug allergy

An accurate diagnosis and treatment of drug allergies is possible only with a comprehensive examination by a number of specialists, such as an allergist, dermatologist, nephrologist and infectious disease specialist.

After collecting anamnesis, the patient will need to undergo laboratory and other studies to assess the state of health in general:

1. General analysis of blood, urine and feces;
2. Drug allergy tests: general and specific Immunoglobulin E;
3. Radioallergosorbent test for the determination of Immunoglobulin class G, M;

You can take tests both in the district clinic and in specialized centers in your city.

How can I find out which medications can be allergic and how to prevent it?

In order to determine the causes of allergies, a skin test is prescribed, carried out on the hands or on the back of the patient.

Skin testing for allergens

Features of the procedure are the introduction of a small dose of a suspected substance into the human body using a puncture of the skin with a special medical instrument. If rashes and edema appear at the puncture site, similar to an allergic reaction, the test result is positive, and the substance is certain, further treatment is prescribed.

Another option for the procedure is gluing special patches on the back of the patient.

patch test

As a rule, using this method, dermatitis and other allergies on the skin are determined. Which option to use for diagnosis will be determined by the attending physician.

This method is used to identify allergens in adults. Drug allergies in children are usually diagnosed using laboratory methods of research in order to avoid the manifestation of various complications.

Allergy to medicine - what to do and how to treat?

In the event that a person has an allergy to pills or to taking medications of a different form of release, first of all it is necessary to stop taking them and use allergy medications, for example: Zodak, Allegra, Tavegil, Loratadin, which will help get rid of mild symptoms, such like itching, urticaria, rhinitis, lacrimation and sneezing.

If the reaction is severe, it may be necessary to use glucocorticosteroids (hormonal drugs): Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, etc.

If there is an allergy on the skin of a child or an adult, you can use ointments and creams both without hormones: Fenistil, Bepanten, Zinocap, and hormonal: Advantan, Akriderm, Hydrocortisone, etc.

However, it is worth remembering that these drugs have a large number of side effects, so their self-administration is not recommended, especially if you are trying to cure rashes in a baby.

Allergy therapy using sorbents that allow allergenic substances to be removed from the body should be carried out immediately when the first signs of a negative reaction appear.

As a rule, activated carbon, Polysorb, Sorbex, etc. are used. These products are safe for both a child and an adult. In some cases, a prophylactic course of treatment is prescribed for 7 days.

Prevention of drug allergies

To prevent negative consequences when using medications, a person should observe the following protective measures:

1. Do not self-medicate.
2. Observe the correct dosage.
3. Pay attention to expiration dates.
4. Avoid taking multiple medications at the same time.
5. Inform all healthcare workers about the presence of allergies to drugs.
6. Before the course of treatment or before the operation, take tests for allergies to drugs and conduct skin testing, which allows you to check the body's reaction to the medicine.

Increasingly, in our time, there is an allergy to a medicine - immunologists and allergists know how to treat such a phenomenon.

What is drug allergy

Drug allergy is a specific reaction of the immune system to various drugs.

An allergy to medications can be triggered by the treatment of a disease, as well as a long stay in rooms where various drugs are located. Doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare workers are more susceptible to this than others.

Most often, the development of allergies provokes the following:

1. The presence of other types of allergic diseases.
2. A long course of drug therapy without interruption.
3. The use of drugs of different types at the same time. Some tablets, when taken at the same time, give a negative reaction.
4. Drug overdose.
5. Heredity.

Men are less susceptible to allergic diseases than women in the age group from 31 to 40 years.

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Manifestation of drug allergy

Almost all drugs are made from toxic substances, but when they enter the body in small quantities they give a small beneficial effect - they relieve pain, improve heart function, act as an analgesic or antipyretic.

How drug allergy manifests itself is widely known. Symptoms are usually the same - redness of the skin, rash and itching. The time of development of the disease depends on the severity and ranges from a quarter of a minute to several hours. In addition, dry mouth, dilated pupils, and rapid breathing may occur. These symptoms disappear some time after the interruption of the course of medication and do not pose a threat to the human body. Severe manifestations of allergies can cause anaphylaxis, asthma attacks, inflammation of the lining of the eyes, and allergic rhinitis. In the worst case, a sharp drop in blood pressure can occur, which leads to fainting and death. Only a certified allergist can distinguish side effects from allergies.

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Allergy diagnostics

It is possible to establish the exact cause of an allergy only after undergoing a complete examination by a doctor. An allergist specializes in diagnostic tests and examinations, as well as the treatment of allergies. The appointment of a doctor depends on how the drug allergy manifests itself:

• inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis) and nasal congestion;
• labored breathing;
• tearing, redness and inflammation of the eyes;
• medicines aimed at combating allergies (antihistamines) are ineffective;
• prolonged, sometimes dragging on for several months, allergies;
• the impact of asthma or allergies on patient satisfaction with life;
• recurring severe asthmatic attacks;
• convulsions.

The doctor prescribes individual treatment for each patient, but most often patients undergo tests for allergens and courses of immunotherapy (allergy shots).

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Prevention of allergic reactions

To avoid allergies, you must initially adhere to several rules:

• Before using any new or unfamiliar medicine, a consultation with a doctor is necessary;
• it is useful to keep a record of the medications taken;
• always inform healthcare workers about allergic reactions to drugs.

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Therapeutic therapy for allergies

Drug therapy is varied and depends on the severity of the disease.

Moderate allergy manifests itself in the form of a small rash and itching. In this case, the drug reaction is stopped. Discontinuation of all drugs is recommended. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines to block histamine from entering your body.

Allergy of moderate severity is determined by a continuous rash and itching. All drugs that can cause an allergic reaction are excluded from the use. The doctor prescribes antihistamines, steroids, and drugs that can block histamine.

With severe allergies, shortness of breath, a feeling of constriction of the throat, a continuous rash, loss of strength, damage to various organs appear. Usually in this case, the patient is hospitalized. For treatment, strong drugs are used, they can even use adrenaline.
When an allergy occurs, it is advised:

• fast for several days, drinking about one and a half liters of water a day;
• follow a hypoallergenic diet in the following days;
• take sorbents - 1 tablet of activated carbon per day for every 10 kg of body weight.

If the medicine was taken in liquid form or in the form of tablets, it is necessary to perform a gastric lavage.

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Laboratory diagnostics

Mandatory research in laboratories are skin tests. According to the reaction to them (redness, the appearance of an allergic rash in the areas of application / introduction of the allergen), the presence of an allergy is determined. This is the most accurate and time-tested method for diagnosing a disease.

Prick tests are the main type of skin testing, performed by pricking (from the English prick - prick) the patient's skin in the place where the allergens were applied.

Scarification testing has long been popular and widely used by many allergists. Areas where allergens have been applied are also scratched.

Subcutaneous tests are a method of determining allergies, which are used extremely rarely, more often with specific allergic effects, for example, with an allergy to medicines from specific types of mold fungus. It can cause adverse reactions, and its diagnostic value is small, therefore this method is used infrequently.

In cases where skin tests fail, provocative tests are performed. This is an extremely rare method of establishing allergies, which is carried out in a room specially equipped with resuscitation equipment and only with the participation of a doctor. This procedure has a number of contraindications:

• exacerbation of allergies of any kind;
• previous anaphylactic shock;
• heart, kidney or liver disease;
• severe endocrine diseases;
• pregnancy;
• young age (the procedure is contraindicated for children under 6 years old).

The general availability of drugs has led to frequent cases of drug allergies. Such an allergy is characterized by a multiplicity of symptoms, it may appear suddenly, it may not manifest itself in any way for weeks.

Drug allergy can occur in a man, woman, teenager, infant. Each drug can become an allergen, the effect of which is reflected on the skin, visual system, and internal organs.

What is a drug allergy?

- an individual reaction of the body to a drug taken orally, administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Allergic reactions to the administered drug can occur in patients of both sexes and any age category. The disease is more common in middle-aged and older women.

Developing during the acute course of the disease, drug allergy exacerbates its course, leading to patient disability and death.

In clinical practice, groups of patients are distinguished in whom the development of an allergy to drugs is most likely to be predicted:

• Employees of pharmaceutical enterprises and pharmacies, doctors, nurses - all those who are in permanent contact with drugs;
• Persons with a history of other types of allergies;
• Patients with a genetically determined predisposition to allergies;
• Patients suffering from any kind of fungal diseases;
• patients with liver diseases, disorders in the functioning of the enzyme and metabolic systems.

Drug allergy has a number of features that make it possible to identify it from pseudo-allergic reactions:

• Signs of drug allergy are different from side effects of the drug;
• The first contact with the drug passes without reaction;
• In the occurrence of a true allergic reaction, the nervous, lymphatic and immune systems are always involved;
• The body needs time for sensitization - a slow or fleeting increase in the body's sensitivity to a stimulus. A full reaction develops upon repeated contact with the drug. The formation of sensitization in terms of time takes from several days to several years;
• For a drug allergic reaction, a microdose of the drug is sufficient.

The level of sensitivity is affected by the drug itself, the way it is introduced into the body, the duration of administration.

The risk of developing an allergy to drugs increases with the simultaneous use of several medications, in the presence of chronic infectious processes, and with dysfunction of the endocrine system.

Why does drug allergy occur?

At present, it is not exactly established for drugs.

Experts talk about a complex of causal factors that provoke a painful reaction of the body:

• The factor of heredity- It has been reliably established that the predisposition to allergies is inherited. An allergic person always has blood relatives suffering from some kind of allergy;
• Use of hormones and antibiotics in agriculture- when using such products, the sensitivity of the human body to the drugs administered to the animal increases;
• General availability of medicines- leads to their uncontrolled use, violation of the shelf life, overdose;
• Associated pathologies- inadequate immune response of the body is caused by chronic diseases, helminthiases, disturbances in the functioning of the hormonal system.

Stages of an allergy

Allergy to drugs in its development goes through the following stages:

• Immunological- the initial stage of contact of the allergen with the body. The stage at which the body's sensitivity to the administered drug only increases; allergic reactions do not appear;
• pathochemical- the stage at which biologically active substances begin to be released, "shock poisons". At the same time, the mechanism of their suppression is deactivated, the production of enzymes that suppress the action of allergy mediators decreases: histamine, bradykinin, acetylcholine;
• Pathophysiological- the stage at which spastic phenomena are observed in the respiratory and digestive systems, the processes of hematopoiesis and blood clotting are disturbed, its serum composition changes. At the same stage, the endings of nerve fibers are irritated, there is a sensation of itching and pain that accompanies all types of allergic reactions.

Symptoms of drug allergy

In fact, it has been established that the severity of symptoms and the clinical picture of drug allergy are associated with the form of drug use:

There are three groups of reactions characteristic of drug allergies:

• Acute or immediate type- are characterized by a lightning current. The development time is from several minutes to an hour after contact with the allergen.
  How specific manifestations are considered:
  • - the appearance of pale pink blisters slightly raised above the surface of the skin, with the progression of the process, the blisters merge with each other into one spot;
  • angioedema- total swelling of the face, oral cavity, internal organs, brain;
  • bronchospasm- violation of the patency of the bronchi;
  • anaphylactic shock;
• Subacute reactions- from the time of contact with the allergen until the first signs appear, a day passes.
  The most prominent symptoms include:
  • feverish conditions;
  • maculopapular exanthema;
• Delayed reactions— time limits of development are stretched. The first signs are fixed both a few days and a few weeks after the administration of the drug.
  The characteristic manifestations are:
  • polyarthritis;
  • arthralgia;
  • serum sickness;
  • defeat or change in the functions of internal organs and systems;
  • inflammation of blood vessels, veins, arteries;
  • dysfunction of hematopoiesis.

For any form and type of allergy to drugs, lesions of the dermis, respiratory, visual, and digestive systems are characteristic.

Common symptoms include:

What medications cause an allergic reaction?

An allergic reaction can be provoked by the most familiar and harmless medicine.

Drug allergies are more likely to be caused by antibiotics, antipyretics, insulin and anesthetics.

Allergy to antibiotics

The most striking symptoms are caused by inhalation use of drugs. An allergic process develops in 15% of patients.

There are more than 2000 antibiotics, different in chemical composition and spectrum of action.

Penicillins

If you are allergic to any type of penicillin, all drugs of this series are excluded.

The most allergenic have:

• Penicillin;
• Ampiox;
• Ampicillin.

Allergic reactions manifest themselves as:

• rashes;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• hives.

With intravenous and intramuscular administration of Ampiox and Ampicillin, there is a possibility of developing anaphylactic shock.

Cephalosporins

For any manifestations of allergy to penicillin drugs, the use of cephalosporins is excluded due to their structural similarity and the risk of cross-reactions.

At the same time, the possibility of developing severe allergic processes is small. Allergic manifestations in adults and children are similar, they consist in the appearance of a variety of rashes, urticaria, tissue edema.

The greatest number of allergic reactions cause drugs of the first and second generations:

• Kefzol;
• Cephalexin;
• Nacef;
• Biodroxil.

macrolides

Preparations for use when it is impossible to use penicillins and cephalosporins.

The greatest number of allergic reactions was recorded with the use of Oletetrin.

Tetracyclines

Characteristic signs of drug allergy occur when using:

• Tetracycline;
• Tetracycline ointment;
• Tygacil;
• Doxycycline.

The possibility of allergic cross-reactions between representatives of the series has been established. Allergic reactions occur rarely, proceed according to the reaginic type, manifest themselves in the form of a rash and urticaria.

As a specific manifestation of allergy, when using Demeclocycline, Doxycycline, Oxyetracycline, there have been cases of increased skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Aminoglycosides

Allergic reactions develop mainly to sulfites, which are part of the preparations of this series. With the greatest frequency, allergic processes develop with the use of Neomycin and Streptomycin.

With long-term use of drugs, it is noted:

• hives;
• feverish state;
• dermatitis.

Allergy to anesthetics

Most patients are allergic not to the anesthetic itself, but to the preservatives, latex or stabilizers included in their composition.

The greatest number of occurrences of drug allergies is observed when using Novocaine and Lidocaine. Previously, it was considered possible to replace Novocain with Lidocaine, however, there have been cases of anaphylactic reactions to both drugs.

Allergy tests are performed to avoid the development of an allergy to anesthetics. The patient is injected with a small amount of medication with monitoring of the reaction.

Allergy to antipyretics

The first cases of an inadequate response of the body to aspirin were noted at the beginning of the last century.

In 1968, aspirin allergy was made into a separate respiratory disease.

Variants of clinical manifestations are diverse - from slight reddening of the skin to severe pathologies of the respiratory tract.

Clinical manifestations are aggravated in the presence of fungal diseases, liver pathologies, and metabolic disorders.

An allergic reaction can be caused by any antipyretic that contains paracetamol:

• ibuprofen;
• Paracetamol;
• Panadol;
• Nurofen.

Allergy to sulfonamides

All drugs of this series have a sufficient degree of allergenicity.

Of particular note are:

• Biseptol;
• Sulfadimethoxine;
• Argosulfan.

Allergic reactions are manifested in the form of intestinal disorders, vomiting, nausea. On the part of the skin, the appearance of a generalized rash, urticaria and edema was noted.

The development of more serious symptoms occurs in exceptional cases, and consists in the development of erythema multiforme, fever, and blood disorders.

The target for sulfonamides is the liver, jaundice often develops, in medical practice there are cases when an allergy to such drugs led to liver dystrophy and death.

Allergy to iodine-containing drugs

Typical reactions include the appearance of an iodine rash or iododermatitis. In places of contact between the skin and the iodine-containing preparation, erythema and an erythematous rash are observed. When the substance gets inside, iodine urticaria develops.

The response of the body can cause all drugs, which include iodine:

• Alcoholic infusion of iodine;
• Lugol's solution;
• Radioactive iodine, used in the treatment of the thyroid gland;
• Antiseptics, such as Iodoform;
• Iodine preparations for the treatment of arrhythmias - Amidoron;
• Iodine preparations used in radiopaque diagnostics, for example, Urografin.

As a rule, iodine reactions are not dangerous, after discontinuation of the drug they quickly disappear. Only the use of radiopaque preparations leads to serious consequences.

It is possible to track the reaction to iodine at home. It is enough to apply an iodine grid and observe the patient's reaction. With the appearance of inflammation, rash, edema, the use of iodine-containing drugs is stopped.

allergy to insulin

The development of an allergic process is possible with the introduction of any type of insulin. The development of reactions is due to a significant amount of protein.

To a greater or lesser extent, allergies can occur when using these types of insulin:

• Insulin Lantus- the reaction is insignificant in the form of rashes, redness, slight swelling;
• Insulin NovoRapid- some patients develop bronchospasm, severe edema, skin hyperemia;
• Insulin Levemir The symptoms are similar to those of a food allergy:
  • rough elbows and knees;
  • redness of the cheeks;
  • itching of the skin.

To exclude the development of a drug disease, a small amount of insulin is initially administered to the patient, and only in the absence of allergy symptoms, the usual dosage is prescribed.

If the symptoms of drug allergy cannot be stopped, insulin injections are made with the simultaneous administration of hydrocortisone. In this case, both drugs are collected in one syringe.

Allergy to tuberculin

The development of an allergic process is caused by both immunological tests:

• Pirquet's reaction - when the drug is applied to the skin scratched by the scarifier;
• Mantoux reaction - when the sample is injected.

The reaction occurs both to tuberculin itself and to the phenol that is part of the vaccine.

Allergic processes are manifested in the form of:

Allergy to vaccines

Allergy to vaccines develops as a pathological response of the body to any component of the vaccine:

The most dangerous in allergology are:

• DTP vaccination- manifested by severe dermatological symptoms;
• Hepatitis B vaccination- not used in case of detection of a reaction to the nutritional yeast that is part of the vaccine;
• Polio vaccine- the reaction occurs on both of its forms - inactivated and oral. The development of allergic processes is most often seen in patients with a reaction to kanamycin and neonacin;
• Tetanus vaccine- allergic manifestations are serious, up to Quincke's edema.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics includes:

Laboratory methods of examination

The current methods of instrumental diagnostics include:

Provocative tests

In the diagnosis of drug allergy, provocative tests are rarely used, and only in cases where the relationship between the use of the drug and the development of the reaction cannot be established, and the drug must continue to be used for health reasons.

The following tests are carried out:

• Sublingual test- either the medicine is used in tablet form, or its aqueous solution. A tablet or sugar with drops of the drug is placed under the tongue. After a few minutes, the patient shows the first signs of allergy;
• Dosed provocation- in very small doses, the patient is injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly with a medication. Medical supervision after the administration of the drug is at least half an hour.

There are a number of conditional and unconditional contraindications to such tests:

• Acute course of any type of allergy;
• Postponed anaphylactic shock;
• Diseases of the kidneys, liver, heart in the stage of decompensation;
• Severe damage to the endocrine glands;
• gestation period;
• The child is under six years of age.

First aid for allergies with a complication of immediate manifestation

The value of timely assistance with Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock cannot be overestimated.

The count goes to the minutes during which a person's life can be saved:

Treatment of drug allergies

In severe forms, the help of an allergist and treatment in a hospital is necessary. The first step in treating a drug allergy is to stop the drug that caused the allergy.

In the case when the abolition of the drug is impossible for health reasons, its administration or administration is carried out with the simultaneous use of antihistamines.

Therapeutic treatment is based on the use of sedative, absorbent, antihistamine drugs and is as follows:

• Sorbent preparations- in the case of oral administration of a drug that caused an allergy, the patient is washed with a stomach, and sorbents are prescribed, such as Polysorb, Enterosgel or activated charcoal;
• Oral antihistamines- such drugs as Tavegil, Suprastin are necessarily prescribed;
• Topical preparations- to relieve local reactions, Fenistil gel is prescribed for mild symptoms, as well as Advantan, which is a hormonal drug for severe symptoms;
Such patients are intravenously injected with solutions that compensate for the pathological losses of the body, parenterally administered glucocotic steroids and antihistamines.

Most often, an allergy to drugs in children occurs on antibiotics, sulfonamides, and antipyretic drugs.

There are frequent cases of the development of positive reactions to iodine-containing drugs, bromides, novocaine, drugs of group B.

The danger is mainly intravenous and intramuscular administration of the drug. Oral administration has less severe consequences.

The situation is aggravated against the background of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, dysbacteriosis, food allergies.

As symptoms of drug allergy in children, the following are considered:



Allergy to drugs in a child can manifest itself in the form of severe systemic processes or reactions of an immediate type, for example, Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock, or Lyell and Steven-Johnson syndromes.

Against the background of the above manifestations, the child's sleep and appetite deteriorate, the temperature rises, and the digestive tract is disturbed.

At the first signs of a drug allergy, the child is washed with a stomach, given saline solutions. The doctor prescribes sorbents and antihistamines in the right dosage, as well as probiotics to restore the child's microflora.

More severe cases require immediate medical attention and hospital treatment.

Precautions for drug allergies

There are certain precautions to avoid the consequences:

• Patients who are allergic to any drug are prohibited from using it for life;
• Not only the irritant drug is canceled, but also its analogues, similar in composition and causing cross-reactions;
• Complex preparations are not prescribed for use if their components cause allergies or cross-reactions. So, with an allergy to acetylsalicylic acid, Citramon becomes a provocateur of the reaction;
• Patients with a diagnosed drug allergy should avoid the use of three or more medications;
• If, according to indications, the use of a large number of drugs is necessary, then they are taken at intervals of 1.5-2 hours.

Prevention of drug allergies

Prevention of allergy to drugs is based on the following principles:



Conclusion

Both pharmacology and medicine do not stand still. Diseases that were considered fatal a few years ago are being cured. But each tablet is a foreign agent for the body, the reaction can be unpredictable.

Attentive attitude to your health, to medicines, compliance with the rules for taking medications will help to avoid the development of an allergy to medicines.

Timely first aid for allergies can save a person's life. After all, this is a fairly serious disease, which is often accompanied by dangerous symptoms.

Therefore, if any life-threatening signs appear, you should call an ambulance and take the necessary measures before it arrives.

Allergies can have a different course, and this has a direct impact on the symptoms of the disease.

Mild forms of allergies usually manifest themselves in the following forms:

• limited urticaria- consists in the defeat of the mucous membranes and skin;
• allergic conjunctivitis- damage to the conjunctiva of the eyes;
• allergic rhinitis- damage to the nasal mucosa.

  heavy

  Severe forms of allergic reactions are a real danger to human health and life and require emergency medical care.

  These include:

  1. anaphylactic shock- consists in a sharp decrease in blood pressure and problems in microcirculation in the organs;
  2. angioedema- manifests itself in the form of a spasm of the respiratory muscles and the onset of suffocation, which is a real danger to life;
  3. generalized urticaria- accompanied by the development of intoxication syndrome.
     • slight itching on the skin in the area of ​​​​contact with the allergen;
     • lacrimation and slight itching in the eye area;
     • unexpressed redness of a limited area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin;
     • slight swelling or swelling;
     • runny nose and nasal congestion;
     • constant sneezing;
     • the appearance of blisters in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe insect bite.

     If these symptoms occur, you need to do the following sequence of actions:

     1. thoroughly rinse with warm water the contact area with the allergen - nose, mouth, skin;
     2. avoid contact with the allergen;
     3. if the allergy is associated with an insect bite and a sting remains in the affected area, it must be carefully removed;
     4. apply a cool compress to the itchy area of ​​the body;
     5. take an anti-allergy drug - loratadine, zyrtec, telfast.

     If a person's condition worsens, you should contact an ambulance or get to a medical facility on your own.

     There are allergy symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

     • respiratory failure, shortness of breath;
     • spasms in the throat, a feeling of closing the airways;
     • nausea and vomiting;
     • pain in the abdomen;
     • hoarseness, speech problems;
     • swelling, redness, itching of large areas of the body;
     • weakness, dizziness, anxiety;
     • increased heart rate and strong heartbeat;
     • loss of consciousness.

     In acute forms of allergies, there are very specific symptoms that require urgent medical attention.

     This is a fairly common form of allergy in humans, while it is most often observed in young women.

     The patient has swelling of the subcutaneous tissue and mucous membranes. When the throat swells, there are problems with breathing and swallowing.

     If medical assistance is not provided in time, a person may die from suffocation.

     The main symptoms of angioedema include the following:

     • respiratory failure;
     • hoarseness and cough;
     • epileptic seizure;
     • asphyxia;
     • swelling of the skin.

     With the development of urticaria, bright pink blisters appear on the skin, which are accompanied by burning and itching.

     After a few hours, they turn pale, and then completely disappear.

     Simultaneously with the development of these symptoms, headaches and fever appear.

     Such a process can continue continuously or have an undulating course over several days. In some cases, it lasts several months.

     Symptoms of this condition can manifest themselves in different ways - it all depends on the severity of the allergic reaction.

     As a rule, anaphylaxis is characterized by such manifestations:

     • red rash accompanied by severe itching;
     • swelling around the eyes, lips and extremities;
     • narrowing, swelling, spasms of the airways;
     • nausea and vomiting;
     • sensation of a lump in the throat;
     • a taste of metal in the mouth;
     • feeling of fear;
     • a sharp drop in blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness.

     Severe skin rashes can manifest as eczema.

     This condition is characterized by inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. Usually, eczema is accompanied by severe itching and has a long course with periods of exacerbations.

     Also, a pronounced rash can manifest itself in the form of atopic dermatitis.

     This disease is characterized by the development of erythema with bright reddening of certain areas of the skin and severe swelling of the tissues.

     Subsequently, such dermatitis can lead to the appearance of blisters, which, after opening, leave weeping erosions.

     First aid for allergies at home with:

     Quincke's edema

     Treatment of this disease should never be delayed, as it may precede anaphylactic shock.

     Ambulance for allergic reactions, which are accompanied by Quincke's edema, should consist in the implementation of the following measures:

     1. stopping the entry of the allergen into the body.
     2. refusal to eat.
     3. administration of antihistamines. Orally, loratadine or cetirizine can be used, suprastin or diphenhydramine is usually prescribed intramuscularly.
     4. the use of sorbents. In this case, enterosgel, activated carbon, smecta are suitable. You can also give the person a cleansing enema.

     When symptoms of urticaria appear, you need to act according to the following scenario:

     1. stop taking medications;
     2. in case of an allergic reaction to food, take a sorbent - white coal or enterosgel. You can also drink a laxative and gastric lavage;
     3. when bitten by insects, the source of the poison should be disposed of;
     4. when a contact allergy appears, it is necessary to remove the irritant from the surface of the skin.

     Intravenously, you can enter tavegil, suprastin or diphenhydramine.

     If extensive areas of the skin are affected, intravenous administration of prednisone is indicated.

     If the necessary medicines are not available, you need to wash the stomach, make a cleansing enema, give the patient activated charcoal.

     Also, in the area of ​​​​contact with the allergen, you can lubricate the skin with an ointment containing hydrocortisone or prednisolone.

     You should also carry out the following sequence of actions:

     1. stop access to the allergen;
     2. lay the person in such a way as to prevent the tongue from falling and the ingestion of vomit;
     3. apply a tourniquet above the site of an insect bite or use a drug;
     4. intravenously or intramuscularly inject adrenaline, mezaton or norepinephrine;
     5. intravenously inject prednisolone with glucose solution;
     6. intravenously or intramuscularly inject antihistamines after normalization of blood pressure.

     Before identifying the allergen, you can resort to local remedies to treat allergic rashes.

     Therapy should be aimed at eliminating swelling and reducing the sensation of itching of the skin.

     To do this, you can moisten the affected areas with cold water or use a cool compress.

     To avoid the spread of an allergic rash, you need to protect the affected skin from external factors.

     You should also limit the contact of affected areas with water. It is very important that the skin is in contact only with natural cotton fabric.

     The sun

     If an allergy to the sun has led to a loss of consciousness, you should immediately call an ambulance.

     Before the arrival of doctors, it is necessary to provide assistance to the victim:

     1. try to bring the person to consciousness.
     2. it is important to ensure that clothing is loose and does not irritate the skin.
     3. provide enough water to make up for the lack of fluid in the body.
     4. if the temperature exceeds 38 degrees, you need to apply a cool compress on the forehead, lower legs, groin. If possible, it is necessary to use antipyretic drugs - paracetamol or ibuprofen.
     5. when vomiting occurs, a person needs to be turned on his side.

     Find out what are

     types of allergies

     Should Polysorb be used for allergies? The answer is here.

     insect bite

     An allergy to a bee sting occurs in about 2% of people. Moreover, at the first bite, the reaction may not appear.

     If there is a tendency to allergies, with insect bites, a person may develop anaphylactic shock.

     In this case, an urgent appeal to an ambulance is necessary, and before its arrival, the following measures must be taken:

     1. lay down and cover a person;
     2. give the victim several tablets of an antihistamine;
     3. in the absence of swelling of the pharynx and tongue, you can give him strong sweet tea or coffee;
     4. if breathing or heartbeat stops, artificial respiration and closed heart massage should be done.

     The rules for helping with food allergies depend on the severity of the reaction. If life-threatening symptoms appear, you should immediately call an ambulance.

     In other cases, you can:

     1. use sorbents- white coal, enterosgel.
     2. take an antihistamine- cetirizine, desloratadine, loratadine.
     3. with significant skin damage and severe itching, first-generation antihistamines, suprastin, are used.
     4. in severe allergies, hormonal drugs are indicated- dexamethasone, prednisolone.
     5. ointments are used to eliminate skin manifestations- fenistil, bepanten, skin-cap. In difficult cases, local hormonal preparations can be used - hydrocortisone or prednisolone ointment.

     First aid for allergies in a child is to implement the following measures:

     1. seat the baby upright - this position usually helps to ease breathing. If dizziness occurs, it must be put on the bed. If nausea is present, the head should be turned to one side.
     2. give the child an antihistamine in any form - syrup, tablets, capsules. If the baby cannot swallow or is unconscious, the tablet must be crushed, mixed with water and poured into his mouth.
     3. if the child has lost consciousness, you need to constantly check his pulse, breathing, pupils. If the child is not breathing or his pulse is not felt, you should immediately begin resuscitation measures - artificial respiration and heart massage.

     Emergency care for the appearance of rashes on the face is:

     1. cleansing the affected area;
     2. then a cool compress based on a decoction of sage, calendula or chamomile should be applied to the cleansed skin;
     3. gauze should be changed every two minutes;
     4. the total duration of the procedure should be ten minutes;
     5. after that, the face can be dried and sprinkled with potato or rice starch - these remedies will help eliminate redness and swelling;
     6. the procedure must be repeated several times within an hour.

     Do not neglect also antihistamines. If an allergy appears on the face, you can take tavegil, suprastin, loratadine. If the reaction does not go away, you should immediately consult a doctor.

     In the first aid kit of a person prone to allergic reactions, the following medicines should always be present:

     1. general antihistamine - cetirizine, loratadine, etc.;
     2. antiallergic agent for topical use - hydrocortisone ointment, elocom;
     3. hormonal anti-inflammatory drug for the relief of attacks of acute allergies - prednisone.

     Doctors recommend that people who have experienced anaphylactic shock at least once have a syringe with adrenaline with them.

     This will allow others to help the person with the development of severe allergies.

     With a mild allergic reaction, it is enough to exclude contact with the allergen.

     To eliminate rashes and reduce swelling, you can use folk remedies:

     • decoction of sage;
     • chamomile;
     • calendula.

     If there is a severe allergy, in no case should you self-medicate.

     In such a situation, you should immediately contact an ambulance or take the victim to the hospital - any delay can be fatal.

     With the development of anaphylactic shock and other severe allergic reactions, it is impossible:

     1. Leave a person alone.
     2. Give him something to drink or eat.
     3. Place objects under the head, as this can lead to increased respiratory failure.
     4. Give antipyretics for fever.

     If the allergy is associated with an intravenous drug, you do not need to remove the needle from the vein. In this case, it is enough to stop the administration of the drug, and use the syringe in the vein to administer the allergy remedy.

     Properly and timely assistance with an allergic reaction can save a person's life.

     So when it appears:

     1. severe skin rashes;
     2. respiratory failure;
     3. drop in blood pressure

     It is necessary to immediately call an ambulance and take all necessary actions before its arrival.

     In recent years, the safety of pharmacotherapy has gained particular relevance for doctors. The reason for this is the increase in various complications of drug therapy, which ultimately affect the outcome of treatment. Allergy to drugs is an extremely undesirable reaction that develops with pathological activation of specific immune mechanisms.

     According to the World Health Organization, the mortality from such complications is almost 5 times higher than the mortality from surgical interventions. Drug allergies occur in approximately 17-20% of patients, especially with self-administration of drugs.

     By and large, an allergy to drugs can develop against the background of the use of any medication, regardless of its price.

     Moreover, according to the mechanism of occurrence, such diseases are divided into four types. This:

     1. Anaphylactic reaction of immediate type. The main role in their development is played by class E immunoglobulins.
     2. cytotoxic reaction. In this case, antibodies of the IgM or IgG class are formed that interact with the allergen (any component of the drug) on ​​the cell surface.
     3. immunocomplex reaction. Such an allergy is characterized by a lesion of the inner wall of the vessels, since the formed antigen-antibody complexes are deposited on the endothelium of the peripheral bloodstream.
     4. Delayed type cell-mediated reaction. The main role in their development is played by T-lymphocytes. They secrete cytokines, under the influence of which allergic inflammation progresses.

     But far from always such an allergy proceeds only through one of the listed mechanisms. It is not uncommon for several links of the pathogenetic chain to be combined at the same time, which causes a variety of clinical symptoms and their severity.

     Allergy to drugs should be distinguished from side effects associated with the characteristics of the body, overdose, the wrong combination of drugs. The principle of development of undesirable reactions is different, respectively, the treatment regimens also differ.

     In addition, there are so-called pseudo-allergic reactions that occur due to the release of mediators from mast cells and basophils without the participation of specific immunoglobulin E.

     Most often, drug allergies are caused by the following drugs:

     In addition, it may also occur due to any auxiliary ingredient, for example, starch in case of hypersensitivity to cereals, etc. This should also be taken into account when using any drug.

     But to a greater extent, such an allergy is predisposed to:

     • patients with hereditary predetermination to hypersensitivity reactions;
     • patients with previously occurring manifestations of allergies of any etiology;
     • children and adults diagnosed with helminthic invasions;
     • patients exceeding the frequency of taking the drug recommended by the doctor, the number of tablets or the volume of the suspension.

     In infants, various manifestations of an immunological reaction occur if a nursing mother does not follow an appropriate diet.

     An allergy to drugs (with the exception of a pseudo-allergic reaction) develops only after a period of sensitization, in other words, activation of the immune system by the main component of the drug or auxiliary ingredients. The rate of development of sensitization largely depends on the method of administration of the drug. Thus, the application of the drug to the skin or inhalation use quickly causes a response, but in most cases does not lead to the development of life-threatening manifestations for the patient.

     

     But with the introduction of a medicinal solution in the form of intravenous or intramuscular injections, there is a high risk of an immediate type of allergic reaction, for example, anaphylactic shock, which is extremely rare when taking tablet forms of the drug.

     Most often, an allergy to drugs is characterized by manifestations typical of other varieties of a similar immune response. This:

     • urticaria, itchy skin rash, reminiscent of a nettle burn;
     • contact dermatitis;
     • fixed erythema, unlike other signs of an allergic reaction, it manifests itself as a clearly defined spot on the face, genitals, oral mucosa;
     • acneform rashes;
     • eczema;
     • erythema multiforme, characterized by the occurrence of general weakness, pain in the muscles and joints, a rise in temperature is possible, then, after a few days, papular rashes of the correct form of pink color appear;
     • Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a complicated type of exudative erythema, accompanied by a pronounced rash on the mucous membranes, genitals;
     • bullous epidermolysis, a photo of which can be found in specialized reference books on dermatology, manifests itself in the form of an erosive rash on the mucous membranes and skin, and increased susceptibility to mechanical injury;
     • Lyell's syndrome, its symptoms are the rapid defeat of a large area of ​​the skin, accompanied by general intoxication and disruption of the internal organs.

     In addition, drug allergy is sometimes accompanied by hematopoiesis suppression (usually this is noted against the background of long-term use of NSAIDs, sulfonamides, chlorpromazine). Also, a similar disease can manifest itself in the form of myocarditis, nephropathy, systemic vasculitis, periarteritis nodosa. Some drugs cause autoimmune reactions.

     

     One of the most common signs of allergy is vascular damage. They manifest themselves in different ways: if the reaction affects the circulatory system of the skin, a rash occurs, kidneys - nephritis, lungs - pneumonia. Aspirin, Quinine, Isoniazid, Iodine, Tetracycline, Penicillin, sulfonamides can cause thrombocytopenic purpura.

     Allergy to drugs (usually serum and streptomycin) sometimes affects the coronary vessels. In this case, a clinical picture characteristic of myocardial infarction develops; in such a situation, instrumental examination methods will help to make an accurate diagnosis.

     In addition, there is such a thing as a cross-reaction as a result of a combination of certain medications. This is mainly noted with the simultaneous use of antibiotics of the same group, the combination of several antifungal agents (for example, clotrimazole and fluconazole), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin + paracetamol).

     Diagnosis of such a reaction to medication is quite difficult. Of course, with a characteristic allergic history and a typical clinical picture, it is not difficult to identify such a problem. But in the daily practice of a doctor, the diagnosis is complicated by the fact that allergic, toxic and pseudo-allergic reactions and some infectious diseases have similar symptoms. This is especially aggravated against the background of already existing immunological problems.

     No less difficulty arises with a delayed allergy to medications, when it can be quite difficult to trace the relationship between the course of treatment and the symptoms that have appeared. In addition, the same drug can cause different clinical signs. Also, a specific reaction of the body occurs not only to the agent itself, but also to its metabolites formed as a result of transformation in the liver.

     Doctors tell you what to do if you develop an allergy to drugs:

     1. Collecting an anamnesis about the presence of similar diseases in a relative, other, earlier manifestations of an allergic reaction. They will also learn how the patient tolerated vaccinations and courses of long-term therapy with other drugs. Doctors are usually interested in whether a person reacts to the flowering of certain plants, dust, food, cosmetics.
     2. Step-by-step staging of skin tests (drip, application, scarification, intradermal).
     3. Blood tests for the determination of specific immunoglobulins, histamine. But a negative result of these tests does not exclude the possibility of developing an allergic reaction.

     But the most common scarification tests have a number of disadvantages. Thus, in case of a negative reaction on the skin, the absence of allergy in oral or parenteral use cannot be guaranteed. In addition, such tests are contraindicated during pregnancy, and when examining children under 3 years old, false results may be obtained. Their information content is very low in the case of concomitant therapy with antihistamines and corticosteroids.

     What to do if you are allergic to medicines:

     • first of all, you should immediately stop taking the drug;
     • taking an antihistamine at home;
     • if possible, record the name of the medication and the symptoms that have appeared;
     • seek qualified help.

     With a severe, life-threatening reaction, further therapy is carried out only in a hospital setting.

     Methods for eliminating the symptoms of an undesirable reaction to a medication depend on the severity of the immune response. So, in most cases, you can get by with histamine receptor blockers in the form of tablets, drops or syrup. The most effective means are considered Tsetrin, Erius, Zirtek. The dosage is determined depending on the age of the person, but is usually 5-10 mg (1 tablet) for an adult or 2.5-5 mg for a child.

     If an allergic reaction to drugs is severe, antihistamines are administered parenterally, that is, in the form of injections. In the hospital, adrenaline and potent anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic drugs are injected to prevent the development of complications and death.

     You can remove an allergic reaction of an immediate type at home by administering solutions of Prednisolone or Dexamethasone. With a tendency to such diseases, these funds must be present in the home first aid kit.

     In order not to develop a primary or repeated allergic reaction to drugs, it is necessary to take the following preventive measures:

     • avoid combinations of incompatible drugs;
     • the dosage of medications must strictly correspond to the age and weight of the patient, in addition, possible violations of the kidneys and liver are taken into account;
     • the method of using the medicinal product must strictly comply with the instructions, in other words, it is impossible, for example, to bury a diluted antibiotic in the nose, eyes or take it inside;
     • with intravenous infusions of solutions, the rate of administration must be observed.

     With a tendency to allergies before vaccination, surgical interventions, diagnostic tests using radiopaque agents, prophylactic premedication with antihistamines is necessary.

     Allergy to drugs is quite common, especially in childhood. Therefore, it is very important to take a responsible approach to the use of medicines, not to self-medicate.

     Sometimes allergies come on unexpectedly and threateningly. What to do in such cases? How does an allergy to drugs manifest itself, how not to get confused if your life or the lives of loved ones are in danger? In order to answer these questions, you need to study your enemy. Allergy is a specific immune reaction to an allergen, expressed in the production of antibodies and immune T-lymphocytes. There are many types of specific reactions to various stimuli. The most insidious and dangerous is an allergy to drugs.

     The danger lies in the fact that the disease may not appear immediately, but as the allergen accumulates in the body. Another difficulty rests on the symptoms of an allergy to drugs. They can be very different, and sometimes they are not associated with the use of a particular drug. In order to understand what steps should be taken for the timely diagnosis and treatment of drug allergies, the complications of drug allergies should be classified.

     Complications arising from the action of drugs can be divided into two groups:

     1. Complications of immediate manifestation.

     2. Complications of delayed manifestation: a) associated with changes in sensitivity;

     b) not associated with a change in sensitivity.

     At the first contact with the allergen, there may be no visible or invisible manifestations. Since drugs are rarely taken once, the body's reaction increases as the stimulus accumulates. If we talk about the danger to life, then the complications of immediate manifestation come forward. Allergy after medication causes:

     • anaphylactic shock;
     • angioedema;
     • urticaria;
     • acute pancreatitis.

     The reaction can occur in a very short time period, from a few seconds to 1-2 hours. It develops quickly, sometimes with lightning speed. Requires emergency medical care.

     The second group is more often expressed by various dermatological manifestations:

     • erythroderma;
     • exudative erythema;
     • measles rash.

     Shows up in a day or more. It is important to timely distinguish skin manifestations of allergies from other rashes, including those caused by childhood infections. This is especially true if a child is allergic to a medicine.

     The body accumulates an "enemy" element and shows symptoms of drug allergy. The risk is increased if:

     - there is a genetic predisposition (the presence of drug allergies in one of the generations);

     - long-term use of one drug (especially penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, aspirin-containing drugs) or several drugs;

     - the use of medicines without medical supervision.

     Now the question arises, if there is an allergy to drugs, what should I do?

     It is necessary to correctly assess the situation and act immediately. Urticaria and Quincke's edema, in essence, are one and the same reaction. Multiple, itchy, porcelain-white or pale pink blisters begin to appear on the skin (urticaria). Then an extensive edema of the skin and mucous membranes develops (Quincke's edema).

     As a result of edema, breathing becomes difficult and asphyxia occurs. In order to prevent death, you must:

     – call for emergency medical assistance immediately;

     - gastric lavage if the medicine has been received recently;

     - if the medicine cabinet contains one of such drugs as Prednisolone, Dimedrol, Pipolfen, Suprastin, Diazolin, take it immediately;

     – before the arrival of the ambulance, do not leave the victim for a minute;

     - to reduce skin itching, lubricate the surface of the blisters with a 0.5–1% solution of menthol or salicylic acid.

     The most dangerous reaction of the body to a drug allergy is anaphylactic shock. The symptoms of drug allergy in this form are frightening. There is a sharp decrease in pressure, the patient turns pale, there is a loss of consciousness, convulsions. It's important not to panic. First aid:

     - call "ambulance";

     - turn your head to one side, unhook your teeth and pull out your tongue;

     - lay the patient in such a way that the lower limbs are slightly higher than the head;

     - from medicines, the drug "Adrenaline" is used.

     Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock require immediate hospitalization.

     This is a less dangerous drug allergy. Treatment can be carried out at home, but under the supervision of a doctor.

     How does a drug allergy manifest itself on the skin:

     - limited rashes (on certain parts of the body);

     - common rashes (rash uniform throughout the body);

     - the rash can be itchy, in the form of nodules, vesicles, spot-like;

     - a manifestation of allergic erythema (lesion of the skin and oral mucosa with spots that have sharp boundaries). The spots cover more the internal (extensor) surfaces of the body.

     Necessary:

     - stop taking the drug that causes allergies. If there were several drugs, antibiotics and drugs containing aspirin are primarily excluded;

     - take anti-allergic drugs inside: Diazolin, Dimedrol, Suprastin.

     After stopping the drug that causes the allergy, the rash goes away on its own, and no additional intervention is required.

     Diagnosis should be used if symptoms of an allergy to drugs appear episodically. If the allergy manifested itself as an acute condition and a hospital is inevitable, a diagnosis will be made there, tests will be made and a course of treatment will be prescribed. In the case of sluggish forms, patients do not always rush for medical help, forgetting that each next encounter with the allergen will manifest itself as a more pronounced and stronger reaction.

     Knowing about the problem that has arisen, be sure to contact a medical institution to an allergist. Modern diagnostics provides several methods for identifying the perpetrators of allergic reactions. The most informative of them:

     - Linked immunosorbent assay. The patient's blood is taken. If the serum reacts with the allergen, the analysis shows the presence of LgE antibodies.

     - Provocative tests. The patient's blood is mixed with a drug that can cause allergies.

     Diagnosis is important for patients who first resort to anesthesia, as well as in the case of the initial use of the drug in people prone to allergic reactions.

     The question arises, if an allergy to a medicine appears, how to treat it? After establishing the diagnosis and identifying the drugs to which the allergy occurred, they proceed to the same drug therapy. The following drugs are prescribed:

     - calcium chloride;

     - antihistamines ("Diphenhydramine", "Diazolin", "Tavegil");

     - glucocorticoids ("Dexamethasone", "Hydrocortisone", "Prednisolone").

     Non-traditional methods of treating drug allergies include:

     - acupuncture;

     - hirudotherapy;

     - phytotherapy.

     It is necessary to take measures to remove the drug that caused the allergic reaction as soon as possible:

     – drink plenty of water (preferably alkaline mineral water);

     - daily cleansing enemas;

     - the use of enterosorbents;

     - intradrop introduction of cleansing preparations (hemodez).

     Intramuscular and intravenous use of vitamins is advisable only if there is a 100% guarantee that there is no allergy to them.

     If an allergy to the skin from drugs causes itching, baths from herbal decoctions, soda compresses are used to eliminate it.

     The modern world cannot be called ecologically safe for mankind. Harmful substances of chemical, biological, toxic origin are emitted into the atmosphere every second. All this negatively affects the state of the immune system. Immunity failure entails terrible consequences: autoimmune diseases, allergy symptoms to drugs and other irritants.

     1. When eating poultry and animals grown on modern feed, vaccinated with medical preparations, people do not even suspect that they come into contact with many medicines every day.

     2. Frequent unreasonable use of drugs.

     3. Inattentive study of the instructions for use of the drug.

     4. Self-treatment.

     6. The presence of stabilizers, flavors and other additives in medicines.

     Also, we must not forget about the possibility of responding to mixing drugs.

     If there is an allergy to drugs, what to do so that it does not happen again? It is erroneously believed that the only way to prevent drug allergies is to refuse the drug that causes it. Strengthening the immune system has been and remains an important tool in the fight against allergies. The stronger the immune system, the less likely the occurrence of this dangerous disease.

     Preventive measures include:

     - Hardening.

     Physical education and sports.

     - Proper nutrition.

     - Absence of bad habits.

     - If there were allergic manifestations to any drugs, this should be indicated in the medical record.

     - The use of antihistamines before vaccinations.

     - Knowing that you have a drug allergy or any other form of allergy, it is best to always have antihistamines with you. If you are prone to shock, Quincke's edema, let there always be an ampoule with adrenaline and a syringe in your pocket. It can save a life.

     – Before using anesthetics at the dentist’s appointment, ask for a test.

     If you follow these tips, the symptoms of an allergy to drugs will not recur.

     If a car enthusiast starts filling his iron horse with low-quality gasoline, the car will not last long. For some reason, many of us do not think about what they put on their plate. A balanced diet, clean water is the key to strong immunity and the ability to say goodbye not only to food, but also drug allergies. Any disease leads a person who learns about it to a state of shock. Over time, it becomes clear that most of our diseases require not so much treatment as lifestyle changes. Drug allergies are no exception. In the modern world, and especially in the post-Soviet space, there is a lack of attention to one's health at the proper level. This leads to undesirable and sometimes fatal consequences. It is cheaper and easier to prevent a disease than to spend money and effort on its treatment later. Now that it is known how an allergy to drugs manifests itself, knowing the enemy in person, it is easier to deal with him. Be healthy.

     Allergy to drugs is a common problem, and every year the number of registered forms of this disease is only increasing.

     Medicine has learned to cope with many diseases thanks to the development of pharmaceutical drugs.

     With their course intake, general well-being improves, the functioning of internal organs improves, thanks to drugs, life expectancy has sharply increased, and the number of possible complications has decreased.

     But the therapy of diseases can be complicated by an allergic reaction to the drug used for treatment, which is expressed by different symptoms and requires the selection of another remedy.

     A specific reaction to pharmaceuticals can occur in two categories of people.

     First group.

     In patients receiving drug therapy for any disease. Allergy does not develop immediately, but with repeated administration or use of the drug. In the time intervals between two doses of the drug, the body becomes sensitized and antibodies are produced, an example is an allergy to Amoxiclav.

     Second group.

     In professional workers who are forced to constantly contact with medicines. This category includes nurses, doctors, pharmacists. Severe, intractable allergy to drugs in many cases forces a change of work activity.

     There are several groups of drugs, the use of which has a high risk of developing allergies:

     1. Antibiotics cause the most common and severe symptoms of drug allergy; full details here anti-inflammatory drugs;
     2. Vaccines, serums, immunoglobulins. These groups of drugs have a protein base, which in itself already affects the production of antibodies in the body.

     Of course, allergies can also develop when taking other medicines, both for external and internal use. It is impossible to know its manifestation in advance.

     Many people are predisposed to allergic reactions to various drugs, as they suffer from other forms of allergies, with a hereditary predisposition, as well as having fungal infections.

     Often, drug intolerance is recorded when taking antihistamines prescribed to eliminate other forms of allergies.

     It is necessary to separate drug allergy from side effects and from symptoms that occur when the dose is exceeded.

     Side effects are characteristic of many pharmaceuticals, some people do not have them, others may experience a whole range of concomitant symptoms.

     Pronounced side effects require the appointment of an analogue of the drug. Intentional or involuntary excess of the dose leads to poisoning of the body, the symptoms of this condition are determined by the components of the drug.

     With an allergy to drugs, the symptoms in patients are expressed in different ways. After discontinuation of the drug, they can pass on their own or vice versa, the patient requires emergency care.

     It also happens that the human body itself can cope with a non-specific reaction, and after a few years, when using a similar medication, the symptoms are not determined.

     The ability of drug components to form an antigen-antibody complex also depends on the form of their administration.

     When taken orally, that is, through the mouth, an allergic reaction develops in a minimum number of cases, with intramuscular injections, the likelihood of allergies increases and the peak is reached by intravenous injection of drugs.

     At the same time, when the drug is injected into a vein, allergy symptoms can develop instantly and require prompt and effective medical care.

     Allergic reactions according to the rate of development are usually divided into three groups.

     The first group of reactions includes changes in the general well-being of a person, developing immediately after the drug enters the body or within an hour.

     These include:

     1. Anaphylactic shock;
     2. Quincke's edema;
     3. Acute urticaria;
     4. hemolytic anemia.

     The second group of reactions develops during the day, after the components of the drug enter the body.

     • Thrombocytopenia is a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. A low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding.
     • Agranulocytosis is a critical decrease in neutrophils, leading to a decrease in the body's resistance to various types of bacteria.
     • Fever.

     The third group of non-specific reactions to the drug develops in a few days or weeks.

     Typically, this group is characterized by the appearance of the following conditions:

     • Serum disease.
     • allergic vasculitis.
     • Polyarthritis and arthralgia.
     • Damage to internal organs.

     Allergy to drugs is manifested by a wide variety of symptoms. It does not depend on the components of the drug and in different people it can manifest itself with completely different signs.

     Skin manifestations come to the fore with the development of allergies, urticaria, erythroderma, erythema, drug-induced dermatitis or eczema are often observed.

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