Common Variable Immunodeficiency Support Group
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a group of 20-30 primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) which have a common set of symptoms but with different underlying causes. CVID's underlying causes are different, but the result of these are that the body doesn't produce sufficient antibodies in response to exposure to pathogens.
I have, on a few occasions, had a delayed reaction to an antibiotic. I have reacted to amoxicillin, ampicillin, trovafloxacin and another 'cillin I can't recall. On each occasion about a week after I started taking it, I developed a very itch rash, and with trovafloxacin huge hives from head to toe. My primary says that I should avoid these antibiotics because even a delayed reaction to an antibiotic can be a warning of a more serious reaction in the future.
Based on what I can find, a delayed reaction is a reaction to the byproducts of the breakdown of the medication, rather than to the medication itself. I have undetectable levels of IgA and IgM, but those are supposed to be where allergic reactions arise.
My question is, has anyone had a problem with delayed reactions and then had an immediate reaction to an antibiotic at a later time? I don't worry about it that much, but it's always in the back of my mind.
Based on what I can find, a delayed reaction is a reaction to the byproducts of the breakdown of the medication, rather than to the medication itself. I have undetectable levels of IgA and IgM, but those are supposed to be where allergic reactions arise.
My question is, has anyone had a problem with delayed reactions and then had an immediate reaction to an antibiotic at a later time? I don't worry about it that much, but it's always in the back of my mind.
Definition:
IgE is the class of antibodies responsible for allergic reactions. IgE is produced in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes.
IgA is a type of antibody whose main function is to fight ingested antigens. It is found in body secretions such as saliva, sweat, or tears. IgA prevents the attachment of viruses and bacteria to skin and intestinal lining surfaces.
I personally have not had any issues with delayed reactions to medications.
And yet I am radically "allergic-like" to many antibiotics and foods. I break out in hives with sulfa and my throat completely closes with penicillin and NSAIDs. I still have asthma--in fact I am having it tonight. I ate fish. Wrong move--and yet I do not test allergic to fish anymore. I simply do not understand.
Kelli, did the doctors at National Jewish say how to treat these allergy-like reactions?
I can't find a single thing that shows what my IgE levels are. The results that I have only show IgA IgG and IgM. I'll have to talk to my doc and see if she has any numbers for my IgE levels.
Every time I try to get a grasp on exactly how the immune system and allergic reactions work, I hit a moment of perfect clarity where it makes sense. Five minutes later its like I woke from a dream and I'm wondering how all my new found knowledge leaked out of my brain so fast!
Thanks for the IgE lesson Kelli! I'm going to do a bit more homework.
You guys are the best.
TinaMcG
What I was told (by my former immunologist) is that once we react, we are primed to react, whether from IgE or some other internal process. So if you are reacting--slow or otherwise--you probably should avoid those medications.
Sending both you and Kelli hugs.
I've always got benadryl in the house Tina, but I never got around to getting a prescription for an epipen. I'll ask next time I'm in the doctor's office, just in case.
I'm starting the checklist for the next visit.. epipen... IgE levels...
but i seem to have LOTS of problems when the flowers and trees are blooming...and i have had eczema all my life...so whether or not they consider it allergies i take benadryl often and i carry an epi-pen...