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Children More Likely to have Amoxicillin Allergy
Nov 15, 10 Clinical UpdatesChildren are more likely to have an allergy to amoxicillin than adults, according to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in Phoenix Nov. 11-16. Amoxicillin is a form of penicillin.
Of the 62 penicillin-allergic children studied, 34 percent tested positive for amoxicillin compared to 14 percent of adults. Children were also more likely to be positive solely to amoxicillin when compared with the adult population.
“Amoxicillin should be considered as part of the penicillin skin test panel when testing children, and if included, there may be a better chance of detecting penicillin allergy in this group,†say the study’s authors.
Title: Children are More Likely to be Positive to Amoxicillin on Penicillin Skin Testing than Adults
Co-authors: Allergist Miguel Park, MD, ACAAI Member, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MNBy the numbers:
Penicillin is the most common cause of drug-induced anaphylaxis, causing 400 deaths yearly. It’s important to discuss any drug reaction with your allergist. An allergist can help identify drug allergies and discuss avoidance and treatment options.AMOXICILLIN is one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the world. It belongs to the spectrum of β-lactam antibiotics, and is the drug of choice when it comes to treating bacterial infections, as it is well absorbed even when given orally. Hence, it is used to treat a variety of infections, including infections of the ear, nose throat, skin infections, urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections etc. AMOXICILLIN for sinus infection treatment is also a very well-known use of this drug. Thus, its multipurpose use makes this drug a very popular one among medical practitioners. However, amoxicillin side effects are something that doctors need to be well aware of, so as to prevent them from occurring, as they can be life-threatening at times.
One of the most serious and dangerous of all side effects is anaphylactic reaction. An anaphylactic reaction is defined as a life-threatening type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to a drug which is given internally or orally. Around 1500 patients die yearly due to an anaphylactic reaction in the United States. However, this serious allergic response of the body only occurs in those patients that have a true allergy to penicillin and its derivatives, as opposed to people who present with pseudo-anaphylaxis or an anaphylactoid reaction. An anaphylactic reaction is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:
- Normally, a true anaphylactic reaction with systemic signs and symptoms begin showing within 72 hours of exposure to the allergen, without the need of further exposure. Skin involvement is one of the first signs seen. This includes generalized hives, skin rashes, itchiness, flushing. Fever is often experienced by people, along with the skin rashes.
- Swelling of lips, tongue and/or throat is also seen, as this is the body’s way of responding and fighting the inflammation.
- Respiratory distress, in the form of difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing etc. may also be seen.
- Some patients may also complain of gastrointestinal problems like severe abdominal cramps, stomach pain, diarrhea etc.
- Other serious effects that may occur if immediate action is not taken to deal with the symptoms includes Coronary artery spasms, which may lead to myocardial infarction. Consequently, there may also be a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may lead to lightheadedness and fatigue, along with loss of consciousness.About ACAAI
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.Follow the ACCAI annual meeting on Twitter at #ACAAI2010.
The ACAAI Press Room is located in Room 121B at the Phoenix Convention Center, November 12 - 15, 2010; phone 602-514-5360, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)
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