Antibiotic Allergic Reactions, Ranging from Mild to Life-threatening

Antibiotic allergy is found in 1 in 15 people, especially against antibiotics of penicillin and cephalosporin. Although antibiotic allergic reactions are generally harmless, in certain cases antibiotic allergies can cause death. Antibiotics are drugs that are used to kill bacteria that cause infections. A person suffering from a throat infection, ear infection, urinary tract infection, or sinus infection due to bacteria needs to take antibiotics so that the infection can be cured. Antibiotics consist of various types with different goals and ways of working. But make sure before taking antibiotics, you do not have a history of allergy to this type of antibiotic.

Symptoms of Antibiotic Allergy

Antibiotic allergic reactions usually occur after patients take certain antibiotic drugs. Similar to other drug allergic reactions, antibiotic allergic reactions can also appear marked by a variety of symptoms. Classified as mild symptoms, if the antibiotic allergic reaction is limited to the skin becomes red, itchy, dry and swollen. While in more serious allergic reactions, the consumption of antibiotic drugs can cause a person's skin to blister and peel. In addition, more serious allergic reactions can cause vision problems and more severe swelling in certain parts of the body, such as the lips and eyelids, accompanied by itching. For cases of antibiotic allergies 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, until fainting. Although it is rare, patients who experience anaphylaxis may lose their lives if not treated immediately.

Overcoming Antibiotic Allergies

To find out the antibiotic allergy suffered, the doctor will probably see what medicines are being consumed, and confirm through a history of complaints that occur along with physical examination of the patient. Meanwhile, to ensure the cause of allergies suffered more specifically, doctors can provide allergic tests in the form of blood tests, patch tests, or prick tests on antibiotics that are suspected to cause allergies. If this test has been done and proven to have an allergy to certain classes of antibiotics, the first step that must be done is to stop giving antibiotics and replace them with other types of antibiotics that do not trigger an allergic reaction. Medications that are usually given by doctors to treat allergic reactions include:

• Antihistamines

Antihistamines are given for the purpose of reducing or stopping itching, rashes, and sneezing due to antibiotic allergies. The consumption of antihistamines can cause drowsiness and difficulty concentrating, so it is not recommended to take this drug while driving. For the side effects of taking antihistamines include: dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, difficulty urinating and blurred vision.

• Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids can be given to treat inflammation caused by more serious allergic reactions. Generally, the use of corticosteroids does not cause significant side effects if consumed in low doses and for a short period of time according to doctor's recommended dosage. Meanwhile, side effects that can occur include increased appetite, changes in mood and insomnia.

• Epinephrine

Epinephrine is given to treat antibiotic allergies that cause a person to experience an anaphylactic reaction. This medicine is given to increase blood pressure and help patients to breathe. Epinephrine injection is generally given to the muscles, such as the outer side of the thigh. Giving epinephrine needs to be reconsidered for safety, in patients who have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, Parkinson's disease, depression, thyroid or adrenal gland, and uncontrolled diabetes.

Watch for allergic reactions to antibiotics that occur in you. Inform your family history of allergies, every time you will be given a prescription for antibiotics, to avoid repeated allergic reactions. If a severe antibiotic allergic reaction occurs, consult a doctor immediately or visit the emergency room at the nearest health facility.