What exactly is a penicillin allergy, what symptoms can occur and what treatment can help against it? We answer the most important questions!
What is a penicillin allergy?
In a penicillin allergy , the body reacts to various symptoms, such as rash and itching on penicillin. In this antibiotic are various drugs, such as amoxicillin. Penicillin is widely prescribed because of its potent effect on various bacteria and because it is particularly well-researched. For example, antihistamines may be prescribed for the symptoms.
More than ten percent of all Germans suffer from penicillin allergy. Whether an allergy is present, can be determined by a skin test (prick test and provocation test) – the doctor decides in the case, whether due to the present disease another antibiotic can be prescribed or if one must accept the symptoms of allergy, because the administration of penicillin is essential. Penicillins belong to the group of so-called beta-lactam antibiotics. This group of broad-spectrum antibiotics also includes the so-called cephalosporins.
Risk Factors: Why is Penicillin Allergy Caused?
The mechanism is the same for a penicillin allergy as for other allergies (eg hay fever ): The immune system classifies the penicillin as a dangerand triggers a defense reaction. In addition to relatively harmless symptoms, the penicillin allergy can also lead to severe allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock. In this case, the emergency doctor should be called immediately!
What symptoms are there?
In the case of a penicillin allergy, immediate symptoms can be immediate (usually with natural penicillin G and V), but also with a delay of about five to 14 days (usually when the drug contains amoxycillin). The following symptoms of allergy can occur in patients:
- Rashes (eg wheals or pustules, hives)
- itching
- fever
- eczema
- nausea
- Vomit
- Swollen lymph nodes
- difficulty in breathing
- Anaphylactic shock (also “anaphylaxis”, in severe cases)
Penicillin Therapy: What Helps with Penicillin Allergy?
To alleviate the symptoms of penicillin allergy, ointments with cortisone or antihistamines are prescribed. Unless therapy with penicillin is necessary, allergic diseases should be treated with other antibiotics. In the long term, hyposensitization also helps .