Allergies/allergic reactions

The final category of respiratory response worth noting includes some allergies. Allergic reactions are a special brand of adverse effect,... 

A systematic review of the safety of devil s claw preparations for osteoarthritic and low back pain included 28 clinical trials with a total of 6892 patients. The review included both double-blind and observational studies with doses of 2 to 27 g (most studies used 4.5 g) daily of devil s claw aqueous or ethanol extracts for durations of 3 to 54 weeks. In the double-blind studies, incidences of adverse events with devil s claw were less than or equal to those reported in placebo groups. In the observational studies, adverse events were reported in 3% of participants and were primarily gastrointestinal complaints and allergies. Allergic reactions to devil s claw were characterized as rare (Vlachojannis et al. 2008). Other systematic reviews have reported similar findings (Brien et al. 2006 Denner 2007 Gagnier et al. 2004). 

Prolonged contact with certain chromium compounds may produce allergic reactions and dermatitis in some individuals (114). The initial response is usually caused by exposure to Cr(VI) compounds, but once the allergy is estabUshed, it is extended to the trivalent compounds (111,115). There is also limited evidence of possible chromium associated occupational asthma, but there is insufficient data to estimate a dose for assumed chromium-induced asthma. Reference 116 provides a summary and discussion of chromium hypersensitivity. 

This type of allergic reaction is by far the most common one, and may be responsible for more than 80% of all allergies. Often it is used synonymously with allergy. 

Allergy. Figure 1 Type I Anaphylactic Reaction IgE-bearing mast cells are activated by allergens to release mediators of acute allergic reactions. 

A hypersensitivity (or allergic) reaction to a drug occurs in some individuals, especially those with a history of allergy to many substances. Signs and symptoms of a hypersensitivity to penicillin are highlighted in Display 7-3. 

Another potential adverse reaction may be if die patient has an allergy to the animal (pig or cow) from which the insulin is obtained or to the protein or zinc added to insulin. To minimize the possibility of an allergic reaction, some health care providers prescribe human insulin or purified insulin. However, on rare occasions, some individuals become allergic to the human and purified insulins. 

Gaeta TJ. Clark S, Pelletier AJ. Camargo CA National study of US emergency department visits for acute allergic reactions, 1993-2004. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2007 98 360-365. 

Some types of allergic reaction, for example immediate or delayed-type skin allergies, serum-sickness-like reactions and anaphylactic reactions, may occur in a proportion of patients given penicillin treatment. There is some, but not complete, cross-allergy with cephalosporins. 

Evaluate the patient for adverse drug reactions, IV site extravasation and allergic reactions. What alternative AEDs should be used if a drug allergy is identified ... 

Measles, mumps, rubella MMR 0.5 mL Subcutaneous Allergic reaction to gelatin or neomycin Pregnant women Immunocompromised host Recently received a blood transfusion Severe egg allergy... 

P-Lactam allergy Refers to patients who experience allergic reactions to the P-lactam class of antimicrobials. 

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