Allergy to paracetamol

Allergy is a very insidious disease. It can occur suddenly, or maybe after a while. The strength of its manifestation can also be different, ranging from ordinary lachrymation and rash on the skin, ending with anaphylactic shock. Until now, scientists around the world can not fully disclose the causes of this disease. Allergies are the response of a person's own immune system to a certain allergen. Most often allergens are pollen, animal hair, dust, some food, medicines and even frost and ultraviolet radiation. In our article we will talk about the allergy to paracetamol - antipyretic anti-inflammatory drug.

[1], [2], [3]

Causes Allergy to paracetamol

Causes of allergy to paracetamol

The mechanism of allergic reactions is quite complex and incomprehensible to ordinary people. Not without reason for studying this process there is a whole science - allergology. In order not to delve into the scientific jungle, we will try to tell you how the allergy to paracetamol arises in a nutshell.

The principle of the allergic reaction consists of three stages:

• the so-called immune stage - occurs when the allergen (at the moment, paracetamol) enters the gastrointestinal tract, in which a process called sensitization takes place - the body recognizes the substance and defines it as "foreign", and consequently a subsequent hypersensitivity to this drug occurs.
• the so-called biochemical stage - occurs when repeated exposure to paracetamol in the gastrointestinal tract. Then the fun begins. The body begins to "rebel" and releases special biologically active substances, the main one of which is histamine. He then plays the most important role in the allergic reaction of the body.
• the so-called clinical stage is the stage of clinical manifestations, namely rashes on the skin, urticaria, Quincke's edema or even anaphylactic shock that result from disruption of the cells due to the action of biologically active substances. Including histamine.

Until now, there are no known exact causes of allergy to paracetamol, but scientists identify some possible factors, namely:

• heredity - the allergy is not inherited, but there is a regularity that if both parents have an allergy to paracetamol, the child's probability of manifesting an allergic reaction to this drug is more than 60%;
• weakened immunity - studies have shown that people with immunosuppression or chronic immune diseases are allergic to paracetamol;
• the presence of polyvalent allergies - when allergic reactions are caused by many allergens, paracetamol is usually on the list of potentially hazardous substances.

[4], [5], [6]

Symptoms Allergy to paracetamol

Symptoms of allergy to paracetamol

Depending on the speed of manifestation of symptoms of an allergic reaction, three types of allergy are distinguished:

• immediate type - symptoms are manifested in 5-15 minutes;
• delayed type - symptoms appear within 3-5 hours;
• delayed type - the symptoms manifest themselves within 2-3 days.

Allergy to paracetamol usually refers to either immediate or delayed type. Symptoms of allergy to paracetamol can be: urticaria, Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock.

Hives

Hives are rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. Occurs more often as a delayed symptom. Rashes on the mucous membranes look like blisters filled with liquid. On the skin, the urticaria looks like separate or merged red spots. At the same time, the skin itchs badly and when allergic is combed, allergic manifestations become stronger. This is the most simple and not dangerous manifestation of allergies. This name for this symptom is given for a reason, since visually it is similar to a burn after exposure to the skin of the nettle. Symptoms of hives are removed with the help of antiallergic drugs (ointments, drops, tablets).

Edema Quincke

A more dangerous symptom of allergy to paracetamol is the Quincke's edema. It usually arises immediately. In this case, there is edema of the face (eyelids, cheeks, lips), the outer sides of the palms and feet. The most dangerous is the extensive swelling of the Quincke, which extends to the neck area. If the patient in such a case does not help in time, the constriction of the respiratory tract and, as a result, suffocation can occur. With Quinck's swelling, urgently need to call an ambulance.

[7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17]

Anaphylactic shock

The most dangerous symptom of allergy to paracetamol is anaphylactic shock. It arises at lightning speed, the patient suffers suffocation, the skin becomes covered with hives, blushes strongly, and mucous and soft tissues swell, vomiting and convulsions may occur. If urgent, do not call an ambulance, then a fatal outcome may occur. Patients with anaphylactic shock are placed in the intensive care unit or resuscitation.

[18], [19], [20], [21], [22]

Allergy to paracetamol in children

Recently, allergy to paracetamol in children is more and more common. The most dangerous can be an allergic reaction to this drug in a baby. Therefore, in order to avoid negative consequences, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage of the drug and closely monitor the reaction of the child after application within 1-2 hours. Remember that the true allergy to paracetamol occurs after repeated use of the drug. There are cases when, after using, for example, children's Panadol child "pours out", parents think that this is an allergy, but over time, children allegedly "outgrow" this allergy. In fact, most likely this kind of allergic reaction was not to paracetamol itself, but to the dye or flavor that is part of the syrup. Therefore, infants are recommended to use to reduce temperature with rectal suppositories. What to do if the child is really allergic to paracetamol? In such cases in the role of antipyretic drugs may come on the basis of ibuprofen, for example, Nurofen (in suppositories or in syrup).

[23], [24], [25], [26], [27]

Diagnostics Allergy to paracetamol

Diagnosis of allergy to paracetamol

How to know exactly the presence of allergy to paracetamol? This is easy enough. There are two methods, namely: skin tests and a blood test for antibodies. For skin tests, a small amount of paracetamol should be applied to the skin or under the skin. Waits 10-20 minutes, then evaluate the result. If there is redness, put a positive reaction. Skin tests are easy to perform and cheap, but they have a small margin of error. For a more accurate result, you need to pass a blood test for antibodies to paracetamol. The principle of this analysis is based on the determination in the blood of specific immunoglobulins (IgG, IgE). Such analysis is done in most private laboratories, as well as in some specialized institutions. Before conducting a diagnosis of allergy to paracetamol, antihistamines should be withdrawn.

[28], [29], [30], [31]

Treatment Allergy to paracetamol

Treatment of allergy to paracetamol

The main method of treating allergy to paracetamol is the use of antihistamines. These drugs block histamine receptors, thus preventing the development of clinical symptoms of allergies. There are antihistamines of three generations.

Antihistamines of the first generation are used for acute allergic conditions, namely, anaphylactic shock and Quinck's edema, since they have not only tabulated form, but are also produced in ampoules. Along with the advantages of speed, antihistamines of the first generation have many drawbacks, namely: inhibit the work of the central nervous system (there is drowsiness, inhibition, decreases the speed of reaction), have side effects (upset of the chair, constipation, impotence and others), are contraindicated to asthmatics (cause bronchospasm) and hypotonic (lower the pressure). An example of antihistamines of the first generation can be:

• Diphenhydramine (for adults 30-50 mg per day 3 times a day, not more than 250 mg per day, treatment course 10-15 days);
• Pipolphen (for adults 75-100 mg per day 3-4 times a day, but not more than 500 mg per day, treatment course 10-15 days);
• Suprastin (for adults 25 mg 3-4 times a day, but not more than 75-100 mg per day, treatment course 10-15 days).
• Clemastin (for adults 1 mg 2 times a day, but not more than 6 mg per day, treatment course 10-15 days).

Antihistamines of the first generation are contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. Intravenous and intramuscular administration of drugs should be carried out strictly under the supervision of a doctor. Before using drugs, always read the instructions.

Antihistamines of the second generation are used both for acute allergic manifestations and for allergic manifestations of the delayed type. These drugs can be prescribed for a long time, since they do not act depressingly on the central nervous system. Side effects of antihistamines of the second type can be called toxic action on the liver (if the therapeutic dose is exceeded) and the effect on the heart rhythm. In connection with this, these drugs are contraindicated for persons with chronic and acute diseases of the liver and heart. An example of antihistamines of the second generation can be:

• Terfenadine (for adults 60 mg 2 times a day or 120 mg once, but not more than 480 mg per day, the course of treatment can be long);
• Astemizole (for adults 10 mg once a day, but not more than 30 mg per day, the course of treatment should not exceed 7 days);
• Loratadine (for adults 10 mg once a day, but not more than 30 mg per day, the course of treatment is up to two weeks, with acute indications it can be extended up to a month);
• Cetirizine (for adults 10 mg once a day or 5 mg twice a day, but not more than 30 mg per day, the course of treatment can be prolonged).

Second-generation antihistamines can be given to pregnant women and women breastfeeding only if the benefits to the mother are greater than the harm done to the child. Before using drugs, always read the instructions.

Antihistamines of the third generation were invented relatively recently. They are the natural metabolites of second-generation drugs. When they were used, there was no sedative effect, no toxic effects on the liver and kidneys, no effect on the cardiovascular system. That is why antihistamines of the third generation can be prescribed for a long time. An example of such a drug is:

• Telfast (for adults 120-180 mg once a day, it is desirable to strictly observe the 24-hour difference in taking the drug, the treatment can be continued for a long time).

Antihistamines of the third generation have not been tested on pregnant women and women breast-feeding, so in such cases, do not take these medications.

There are also methods to combat allergy to paracetamol by alternative methods. But with the use of herbs and broths it is strictly recommended to control the reaction of the body. Since sometimes alternative treatments can lead to polyvalent allergies.

To combat the manifestations of allergy to paracetamol, such products as honey, garlic, broths of chamomile, celandine, peanut butterfly, nettle, nettle, and many others are doing great. Treatment in this case is aimed at arresting allergic reactions and strengthening the overall immunity of a person.

Prevention

Prevention of allergy to paracetamol

How this does not sound trite, but the most basic prevention of allergy to paracetamol is the avoidance of its use, especially with a severe reaction to this drug. It is also noted that an increased likelihood of allergy to paracetamol is experienced by people who consume a large number of other drugs and who have reduced immunity. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise, a healthy sleep and the exclusion of bad habits.