Were you told that you were allergic to penicillin as a kid? If the answer is yes, and you haven’t used it since, you might be in for a surprise. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, it is possible that you may have outgrown the allergy to penicillin, due to never being allergic in the first place. Doctors have found that 50 percent of penicillin allergic patients lose their sensitivity five years after the last reaction, and about 80 percent lose their sensitivity 10 years after the last reaction.
Researchers say that most people who think that they are allergic to penicillin are not, and a reaction to the antibiotic was actually misdiagnosed as a drug allergy.
Having an allergic reaction to penicillin is serious, and getting a misdiagnosis will do more harm to your body than good, and can hurt your overall health. Sometimes, the side effects from medicines, or other things, can be mistaken for an allergic reaction. Therefore, recognizing the common allergic symptoms is crucial to a proper diagnosis, which include:
- Rash or hives on your skin
- Itching
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Runny now
- Watery eyes
- Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction)
Research has shown that you can in fact outgrow an allergic reaction to penicillin. However, it is true that anyone who suspects that they may have any type of allergy to an antibiotic, should seek clarification about whether there is an allergy present. Doctors have often stated that they were unaware that their patients had not been tested for their penicillin allergy.
Being tested by an allergist cannot be stressed enough, especially if you show signs of a reaction. Determining if you are allergic to the antibiotic, can help save money in the long run, and help you avoid more toxic antibiotics that could potentially harm your body.
To know if you are allergic to penicillin, or if you have outgrown it, call Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at 8154777350 to request an appointment, or request one online.
