Discover diagnosis and treatment for a penicillin allergy in Crystal Lake
Once considered a common drug allergy, some penicillin allergies are actually a misdiagnosis. The penicillin rash is not always a true indication of an allergic reaction. Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff treat patients near Elgin and Crystal Lake. For patients with allergies, such as a penicillin allergy, we offer accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosing penicillin allergies
There are cases of true penicillin allergies. If you have experienced a penicillin allergy in the past or believe you are having an allergic reaction now, our team can provide testing to determine if you have a true allergy to penicillin. Prior to your appointment, make notes to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
- Write down your symptoms, when they began, how long they lasted, and whether you have ever experienced them in the past.
- Let the physician know if you are taking any other medications.
- Make a note of anything you used to treat your symptoms.
- Tell your doctor if you have any other allergies or if there is a family history of penicillin allergies.
- Take photos of symptoms such as a rash or swelling as the symptoms may subside by the time of your appointment.
Penicillin allergy treatment
Treatment for penicillin allergies may involve treating the current allergy symptoms or working on desensitization to penicillin. In treating the current symptoms, interventions may be used to treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction. This may include:
- Withdrawal – For patients with a true penicillin allergy, discontinuing the drug is the first step in treatment.
- Antihistamines – A prescribed, or over-the-counter antihistamine helps block the immune system chemicals that are activated during an allergic reaction.
- Corticosteroids – Treat inflammation associated with the reaction.
- Anaphylaxis treatment – For severe allergic reactions, epinephrine injections and hospital care are needed.
Drug desensitization is only done if there are no other antibiotic treatment options available. The drug must be taken as directed and patients are carefully monitored. Desensitization is rarely used if a severe reaction has been caused in the past.
For more information on penicillin allergy treatment, contact our office for an appointment. Call (847) 888-8802.
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