Drug Allergy Treatment

Although the exact incidence of drug allergies is unknown, the number of adverse reactions to drugs is increasing with the development of many new drugs. People who have chronic lung diseases are frequently taking multiple antibiotics because of recurrent respiratory infections. There are a large number of drugs that can cause allergic reactions; however, antibiotics account for more than 80 percent of drug allergies. The clinical history is an important method to determine drug allergies. Estimates of adverse drug reactions vary from .2 percent to approximately 30 percent. Some of the reactions can be life-threatening, and it is important to identify some of the particular drugs in order to avoid such reactions. Skin testing for penicillin sensitivity can be performed in order to establish this diagnosis. For drugs that cannot be tested by skin tests, an oral challenge may be used, but this procedure has a high risk associated with it. Once a drug allergy has been diagnosed, avoidance of the suspect drug is recommended.

Efforts that combine home monitoring and patient education have proven successful in stabilizing disease in even the most difficult asthmatics. The pulmonary physician and nurse coordinators of the Allegheny Center for Lung and Thoracic Disease are dedicated in their provision of the comprehensive management necessary to optimize the care of patients with difficult-to-treat asthma.

Co-Directors
Peter Kaplan, M.D.
Antonio Zikos, D.O.

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