If you’ve ever taken any medicine from a bottle, you have likely been told about all the various side effects. Itching, rashes, headaches, stomach pain…all these symptoms can be experienced simply as an effect from the drug. So, it can be difficult to determine if you have a drug allergy or if the medicine is just running its course.
That’s why our professionals at the office of Dr. Mayank Shukla want you to know the difference between normal medicinal expectations, and an actual drug allergy. Keep in mind also that if you are suffering from a drug allergy, please be sure to get in touch with your allergy specialist in New York right away.
Knowing the Reactions
You may deal with the reactions first, before you even notice what is causing them. Keeping an eye on the right reactions can send a trigger or a flag to your brain, letting you know that something is wrong.
It is never okay to continue taking medicine that is causing you to react poorly. If at all you feel any discomfort, please speak with your doctor further before continuing any kind of medication.
Some of the most common reactions and symptoms from a drug allergy include:
- Itching
- Redness of the skin
- Swelling
- Rashes on the skin
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
- Anaphylaxis, or the inability to breathe suddenly
- Hives
- Light-headedness
- Vomiting
While some of these symptoms may be expected in a milder form based on the medication you’re taking, it is still wise to get in touch with your allergy specialist in New York, Dr. Shukla, just in case you are worried about what these symptoms may mean. Drug allergies are very serious and can cause discomfort or even death if you do not seek help or treatment for your reactions.
Causes of a Drug Allergy
Obviously, the source of the drug is the number one cause of the drug allergy; however, many patients must know what exactly about the drug is causing such a severe reaction within the body. If you have had a severe reaction in the past, it is important to get it properly diagnosed.
Some of the more common triggers of allergies include:
- Penicillin
- Antibiotics
- Anticonvulsants
- NSAIDs
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Skin-related drugs
There may be individual cases of drugs that cause you to have an allergic reaction as well. While they can sometimes be hard to diagnose, it is important to get that conversation started with your doctor right away.
The Diagnostic Process
Diagnosing a drug allergy is extremely individualistic. However, you can typically expect a couple of different testing methods to ensure that the process is accurate and conclusive. Our allergy doctor in New York will provide one of two tests to help figure out the source and cause of your allergic reaction:
Skin Test
The skin test can diagnose specific allergic reactions, or even diseases such as eczema and hives. This is also used to determine where the reaction came from.
Drug Challenge
Dr. Shukla can directly test for an allergic reaction by applying small doses of individual drugs to the skin. That way, they will be able to identify exactly what is causing you to react.
Dr. Shukla may ask you certain questions about your symptoms, including how long you’ve had them, what your discomfort levels are, and what drugs you are taking.
Allergy Specialist in New York
At the office of Dr. Mayank Shukla, we are here to help. If you are experiencing any symptoms of discomfort, no matter how mild, you can reach out to us for an emergency appointment with our allergy doctor in New York. For more information, please contact us online or give us a call at (917) 746-3431.
