Drug Allergy Evaluations In Arizona

If you have a drug allergy, you can be a bit confused when symptoms are experienced. Dr. Rishi at Arizona Allergy Associates has provided useful information about drug allergies and when to see a professional.

Symptoms of a Drug Allergy

When the body senses an invader, it begins to attack and causes what are known as allergy symptoms. Take note of any symptoms you experience after taking medication if you suspect an allergy. Some signs include:

Evaluating & Diagnosing Drug Allergies

Allergies to drugs can be difficult for a clinician to diagnose. Penicillin allergies are the only definitive diagnoses of a drug allergy that can be made by skin tests. Reactions can be similar to symptoms of certain diseases, making it imperative that your allergist asks plenty of questions. Some of these questions may include:

• What drugs are you taking that may be the cause of this reaction?
• Have you started any new medications recently?
• How long did you take the drug before noticing symptoms?
• Have you stopped taking the medication?
• How long did the symptoms you experienced last?
• What methods are you using to relieve symptoms effectively?
• Do you take vitamin supplements or herbal medicines?

All of this information is useful in helping your clinician make an accurate diagnosis and treat symptoms safely and effectively.

FAQs

In order to help you better understand how allergies to drugs work, we have answered some questions frequently asked by patients of Dr. Rishi at Arizona Allergy Associates.

How long does it take before I know I’m allergic to a drug? – This depends on the individual, as some people will react immediately while others will not notice a reaction for several hours.

Are the symptoms of allergies different when they involve medication? – The symptoms are the same across the board for allergies of all kinds, so speak with your allergist in the event of any allergic reactions.

What is the best treatment for these allergies? – For allergies of all kinds, the best form of treatment is to avoid the allergen. Once you know you are allergic to something, steer clear of it and let your healthcare provider know about allergies to medications.