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Get Clarity on Your Drug Reaction

Drug Allergy Testing & Treatment in New Orleans

Dr. Reena Mehta is a board-certified allergist in New Orleans, LA that provides drug allergy testing & treatment. Take a drug allergy test for penicillin allergy, ibuprofen allergy, and other drug allergies.

“I found Dr. Mehta’s care unmatched compared to any other allergist I’ve seen. I really appreciated her patience in understanding my concerns, evaluating my medical history, and thoroughly explaining all of the options for my treatment. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Mehta to anyone looking for a caring and skilled allergist.“

– Carissa P, April 2019

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Drug allergy testing & treatment Dr. Reena Mehta in New Orleans, LA

About Drug Allergies

Overview

Symptoms

Drug Allergy Test

Penicillin Allergy Testing

Treatment

Allergic drug reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance in a drug that triggers an allergic reaction. Common drug allergies that produce an allergic reaction include:

Antibiotics, such as penicillin
Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen
Anticonvulsants
Monoclonal antibody therapy
Chemotherapy

Drug Allergy vs. Adverse Drug Reaction

Physician holding drugs that may cause drug allergies

Everyone responds differently to medications. One person may experience a troublesome side effect while another person may have no adverse reaction whatsoever. Drug side effects are common, but only 5% to 10% of drug reactions are caused by an allergy, which is why it’s important to get formal allergy testing & diagnosis from an allergist if you suspect that you’re allergic to a certain drug.

If you suspect that you might be allergic to a medication that’s been prescribed by your doctor, be sure to call your doctor before altering or stopping your dosage.

Drug Allergy Symptoms

The most common drug allergy symptoms include:

Skin rashes, usually hives
Itching
Respiratory problems
Swelling, such as in the face

Serious allergic responses involve swelling, hives, lowered blood pressure, and anaphylactic shock in severe cases. These symptoms require immediate medical attention, and can be fatal if they’re not managed appropriately.

Patient experiencing allergic reaction to drugs

Drug Allergy Test

Drug allergy symptoms can be very similar to symptoms caused by other conditions. It can be difficult to determine if a reaction is caused by medication or something else. If you suspect that you have a drug allergy, or if you’ve received an allergy diagnosis from a physician that’s not an allergist, it’s important to see an allergist and undergo a proper drug allergy test to confirm.

During a drug allergy test, Dr. Mehta will ask you to describe your symptoms, when symptoms began, and how long symptoms last. You should also be prepared to describe any other medications you were taking during the time of your reaction, including over-the-counter medications.

Penicillin Allergy Testing

Drug allergy misdiagnosis is very common, especially in the case of suspected penicillin allergy. As many as 90% of penicillin allergy diagnoses are actually misdiagnosed, preventing many individuals from taking penicillin antibiotics that could help them through common illnesses.

Standardized penicillin allergy testing is available and may be followed by an oral drug challenge in the clinic. Testing provides a high degree of certainty that penicillin and similar medications can be taken without allergic reaction.

Dr. Mehta explain penicillin allergy on Fox 8 Local First News.

Drug Allergy Treatment

Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine may be prescribed in response to a serious drug allergy reaction.

The first step to overcoming a suspected drug allergy is to receive a proper diagnosis. Once diagnosed, Dr. Mehta can help you identify alternative medications that you’re not allergic to. If no alternative medication is available, the medication that you’re allergic to may be introduced in small doses until the therapeutic dose is achieved. This is called a desensitization procedure.

It’s important that you keep your other physicians, dentist, and pharmacy informed and up to date on your drug allergies.

Drug Allergy Testing & Treatment in New Orleans

Don’t act on suspicion alone. Get formal drug allergy testing & diagnosis from a trusted allergist. Dr. Mehta has a reputation for developing strong relationships with her patients and being exceptionally attentive to their needs and concerns.