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Study Finds Link Between Self-Reported Penicillin Allergy And Chronic Hives

by Shirley Johanna on Feb 3 2016 6:32 PM

Study Finds Link Between Self-Reported Penicillin Allergy And Chronic Hives
The prevalence of self-reported penicillin allergy in patients with chronic urticaria is three times higher than the general population. Similarly, the prevalence of chronic urticaria in patients with a self-reported penicillin allergy is also three times higher than the general population, says a new study.
The study examined medical records of 11,143 patients seen at the University of Pennsylvania Health System Allergy-Immunology Clinic. Of those, 220 were identified as having both self-reported penicillin allergy and chronic urticaria (hives).

"We wanted to know if there was a correlation between self-reported penicillin allergy and chronic urticaria," said lead author and allergist Susanna Silverman, MD, ACAAI member. "We found higher than expected incidence compared to the general population, and we wondered if some patients who believed they had penicillin allergy might actually have chronic urticaria."

Many people have had an unfavorable response to penicillin - such as hives or swelling - at some point in their lives and are told they are allergic. Most have never seen an allergist and have never been tested for penicillin allergy. They are labeled "penicillin-allergic" on their medical history, and are given alternative antibiotics for infections.

"It's important for anyone who thinks they have a penicillin allergy to be tested by an allergist," said allergist and study author Andrea Apter, MD, ACAAI member. "If testing finds that someone with chronic urticaria and self-reported penicillin allergy isn't allergic to penicillin, it may be that their hives are simply due to chronic urticaria, or they may be more prone to rashes and hives throughout their lives, possibly due to increased skin sensitivity."

Allergists are experts in diagnosing and treating hives, and are trained to look for triggers. An allergist may recommend medications to prevent the hives or reduce the severity of symptoms. Whether the treatment is available only by prescription or over the counter will depend on several factors, including how uncomfortable the hives are making you.

The study is published in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

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Source-Eurekalert


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