Penicillin Allergy

Hello Kansas City!  Today, Dr.  Bernabe would like to discuss one of the most common allergies in the U.S.  Have you been told you are allergic to penicillin?  If so, you may not be especially if you have not undergone penicillin allergy testing.  These people are given alternative antibiotics that maybe more toxic, more expensive, and less effective.  In one recent study, 384 people who believed they were allergic to penicillin, 94 percent tested negative for penicillin allergy.  Penicillin allergy testing involves skin testing as well as an oral challenge by a Board Certified (BC) Allergist, usually in an office setting.

When you are told you have an allergy to something it is important to see a BC allergist, who is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease, especially a medication.  The allergist can offer medication alternatives, or in specific cases perform a desensitization to the medication.  Desensitization is a gradual introduction of the allergen over time producing a tolerance to the allergen.  If you or someone you know is interested or needs more information call us here at Allergy & Asthma Care, PA, we would be happy to help you in any way we possibly can.