lääkeallergia

Lääkeallergia, also known as drug allergy, is an adverse immune system reaction to a medication. It's important to distinguish this from side effects, which are predictable and common reactions to a drug that do not involve the immune system. Lääkeallergia occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies a drug as a harmful substance and mounts a response against it.

Symptoms of lääkeallergia can vary widely and may include skin rashes, hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms can appear within minutes to hours after taking the medication, or sometimes even days later.

Diagnosis of lääkeallergia typically involves a thorough medical history, including a detailed account of the reaction. Physical examination and sometimes allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or intradermal tests, may be used to confirm the allergy. However, testing is not always possible or reliable for all drugs.

The primary treatment for lääkeallergia is to avoid the offending medication and any related drugs. If a reaction occurs, treatment may include antihistamines to manage itching and hives, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and in severe cases, epinephrine for anaphylaxis. It is crucial for individuals with a known lääkeallergia to inform all healthcare providers about their allergy to prevent accidental exposure. Wearing a medical alert bracelet can also be beneficial.