Medication & Vaccine Allergies
Medication & Vaccine Allergies
If you have an adverse reaction to a medication or vaccine, you can turn to the Allergy & Immunology Center in Encino, California. We offer an individualized diagnostic and treatment approach for medication and vaccine allergies. Call our office or request an appointment online today for a consultation.
The common symptoms of medication and vaccine allergies include:
- Anaphylaxis
- Hives
- Itching
- Skin rash
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Skin swelling
Anaphylaxis is a severe, often life-threatening allergic reaction. It can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, breathing difficulty, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, seizures, dizziness, and/or loss of consciousness.
Your Medication and Vaccine Allergies Questions, Answered
What are medication and vaccine allergies?
Medication and vaccine allergies are allergic reactions to medications or vaccinations. These substances can cause an abnormal response in your immune system and lead to troublesome symptoms. Therefore, determining what you are allergic to is essential to maintaining good health.
What are the risk factors for medication and vaccine allergies?
They usually develop when your immune system mistakes particular drugs or vaccines as harmful and reacts negatively. Risk factors include:
- Personal history of allergies
- Genetic susceptibility
- Increased exposure to medications
To reduce your chance of a severe allergic reaction from medications or vaccines, inform your doctor about any allergies and wear a medical bracelet that describes your drug allergy.
How does my doctor diagnose medication and vaccine allergies?
To determine which medications or vaccines you are allergic to, Dr. Shilian reviews your symptoms, medical history, current medication regimen, and lifestyle habits. He also checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, and might do a skin test using tiny pricks. If you develop a raised, red, itchy bump after the skin test, it indicates an allergic reaction. Dr. Shilian may order a blood test to detect specific antibodies.
How are medication and vaccine allergies treated?
The treatment for medication and vaccine allergies can include:
Allergy avoidance
Avoiding those medicines and vaccines that cause an allergic response lessens your chance of developing a severe allergic reaction.
Symptom-reducing medications
In order to reduce your symptoms before or after exposure to a medication or vaccine you’re allergic to, Dr. Shilian may prescribe a treatment regimen; you might take oral medicines or receive injections to reduce inflammation. In the case of a severe allergic reaction, you need an emergency epinephrine injection to reduce life-threatening allergic reactions until you receive medical attention.
Drug desensitization
If you must take a specific medicine, Dr. Shilian offers drug desensitization treatment to increase your tolerance to the drug. You receive minimal but increasing doses over time to build up a tolerance and reduce the chance of a severe reaction. (Desensitization only works for Type One allergic reactions).
Call the Allergy & Immunology Center or request an appointment online today to be screened or treated for medication and vaccine allergies.Telemedicine appointments are available.
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An exceptional allergy, asthma, and immunology practice in Encino, California, led by experienced allergist Dr. Ryan Shilian.