DRUG ALLERGIES Meaning and
Definition
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Drug allergies refer to hypersensitivity reactions that occur when the immune system reacts abnormally to certain medications. It is a specific type of adverse drug reaction (ADR) in which the body's immune response is triggered by exposure to a particular drug. Unlike side effects, which are commonly expected and known reactions to medications, drug allergies are unpredictable and may cause various symptoms or even life-threatening complications.
A drug allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a drug as harmful and overreacts to it. This immune response leads to the release of chemicals, such as histamine, into the bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction. Common symptoms of drug allergies may include skin rashes, hives, itching, swelling, fever, wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly reaction, can occur, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.
It is essential to differentiate between drug allergies and other drug reactions, such as side effects or drug intolerance, as the treatment and management approaches may vary. Accurate identification of the specific drug involved in the allergy is necessary to avoid future exposures and prevent potentially severe reactions. Allergists or immunologists often conduct allergy tests, such as skin tests or blood tests, to determine if someone has a drug allergy. If diagnosed with a drug allergy, individuals are advised to avoid the offending drug and ensure healthcare providers are aware of their allergies to prevent future complications.
Common Misspellings for DRUG ALLERGIES
- srug allergies
- xrug allergies
- crug allergies
- frug allergies
- rrug allergies
- erug allergies
- deug allergies
- ddug allergies
- dfug allergies
- dtug allergies
- d5ug allergies
- d4ug allergies
- dryg allergies
- drhg allergies
- drjg allergies
- drig allergies
- dr8g allergies
- dr7g allergies
- druf allergies
- druv allergies
Etymology of DRUG ALLERGIES
The word "drug" originated from the Old French word "drogue", which meant a specific pharmaceutical substance. It further traces back to the Latin word "droga", which referred to a specific kind of herbs used medicinally. The term "allergy" was coined in 1906 by the Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet, derived from the Greek words "allos", meaning "other", and "ergon", meaning "reaction". Therefore, the term "drug allergy" combines the word "drug", referring to pharmaceutical substances, and "allergy", representing an adverse immune reaction to those specific substances.
