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Un-diagnosing Penicillin Allergy

Mar 24, 2023
Un-diagnosing Penicillin Allergy
Penicillin, an antibiotic, was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. His discovery was revolutionary for his day.

Penicillin, an antibiotic, was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. His discovery was revolutionary for his day. It was first mass produced and used in World War II and may have been one of the factors contributing to the United States winning the war or at least preventing a greater loss of soldiers than that which was sustained. At the time, it was used for nearly every infection. While there are many bacteria that are resistant to penicillin currently, it is still useful for many infections.

About 10% of patients are allergic to penicillin. About 90% of those patients may not be allergic after all. Some patients may have had a reaction to a virus and their illness was treated with an antibiotic and other patients may lose their allergy over time.

Penicillin allergies, as well as allergies to other medications, can be tested. This usually occurs with a series of skin tests and if negative, an oral challenge. Depending on the history, many times patients can be diagnosed with an oral challenge alone.

If you are found to be allergic, it is recommended that you wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your drug allergies. The call centers for medical alert jewelry can also keep track of your medications and medical problems, in the event you cannot speak for yourself.

In circumstances in which you need an antibiotic or other medication to which you are allergic, there is a technique known as desensitization that a board-certified Allergist-Immunologist can oversee but the effects wear off after the procedure is over and so this is typically conducted in a life or death situation.

If you would like to be tested for your allergies or believe you might be a good candidate for penicillin or other antibiotic allergy testing, Dr. Wendt and her staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help.

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, DC Ranch and Grayhawk at 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, on the corners of Deer Valley and Scottsdale Roads, and has convenient evening and early morning hours to accommodate your schedule.

Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Insurance plans accepted. Call 480-500-1902 today to schedule an appointment now and begin your allergy testing and treatment with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com and FOLLOW US on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Linked In.