Drug allergies are quite common here in the U.S., with a 2020 study estimating that over 23 million people, or about 7% of the general population, are affected by a drug allergy at some point in their lifetime. If you suffer from drug allergies and want to learn more about how to effectively manage your health, it’s important to research as much as possible about drug allergies, the trigger for your reaction, signs and symptoms, and potential treatments. In this post, we’ll cover the basics of drug allergies and where to go find help in the Tampa Bay area.
What are Drug Allergies
Drug allergies occur when a person’s immune system becomes sensitized to a substance, causing the body to recognize the substance as foreign. The body’s natural response to foreign substances is to remove it by attacking the offending cells, causing a whole host of symptoms from mildly annoying to severely disturbing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that there are currently over 19,000 prescription drugs available in the United States. Add those to the tons and tons of over-the-counter and herbal drugs, and you’ve got a mountain of potential allergy triggers just waiting to strike. However, we do tend to see drug allergies more often with certain known substances, although a person can be allergic to any substance or combination of substances.
It’s important to note that a drug allergy is not the same thing as a drug side effect or drug toxicity. A side effect is an unwanted, yet not necessarily abnormal, reaction to a drug, while toxicity involves ingesting an excessive amount of a drug. While some of the symptoms of these three concepts may overlap, they are distinct occurrences.
Symptoms of Drug Allergies
The symptoms of a drug allergy usually present fairly quickly after exposure to the offending substance. It is crucial to get evaluated by a qualified medical professional, such as an allergist, to properly diagnose drug allergies, as the signs and symptoms overlap with some other conditions. Some of the most common symptoms of drug allergies include:
- Constriction of the airways
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Swollen tongue or throat
- Fever
- Shock
- Weak and rapid pulse
- Runny nose
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Hives and rashes
- Itching
- Watery eyes
- Flushed or pale skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
In the most severe cases of drug allergies, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition, may occur. Anaphylaxis is essentially an extreme allergic reaction, so the person’s symptoms will be much more intense and will likely include a drop in blood pressure. Anaphylaxis is an emergency and should be treated by a medical professional immediately.
Drug Allergy Treatment in Tampa Bay
If you are dealing with drug allergies and live in Tampa Bay, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and Pinellas Park, take control of your drug allergies with expert guidance and care from AllergyTampa.com. Our expert allergists will develop a treatment plan focused on identifying your drug allergy triggers, managing symptoms, and improving overall health. Schedule an appointment at one of our Tampa locations today by calling 813-971-9743.
