Ibuprofen allergy – causes, symptoms & therapy

The term ibuprofen allergy refers to an overreaction to the drug in ibuprofen . Allergens can also show up in other medicines. Here ibuprofen as such is the cause of the allergy. The ibuprofen allergy is counted among the actual allergies , since the ibuprofen, and not just an excipient, is definitely the allergy trigger. A human immune system overreacts to triggering substances and makes the symptoms. If the ibuprofen allergy only affects a local area of ​​skin, for example when using ibuprofen-containing ointments, it is local.

Otherwise, the allergy affects the entire body. Doctors generally refer to the ibuprofen allergy as a drug allergy. Allergies are counted among the autoimmune diseases . Certain blood cells fight the organism itself. The ibuprofen allergy is an independent disease, not a symptom. An ibuprofen allergy is easy to eliminate, but it can recur if you come into contact with or ingest this drug. According to current knowledge, an allergy is not contagious.

causes

  The main thing that is noticed in the course of an allergy is an overreaction of the body to repeated contact with the allergenic substance. This is more common in people who are sensitive to medication. Allergy problems are occasionally triggered after previous infectious diseases . As a result, the organism overreacts to allergenic substances because it fights them like invaders.An allergy as such is not caused by bacteria , viruses or other germs. In general, an allergy flares up more often when there are ongoing illnesses. Numerous remedies can trigger allergies. Harmful environmental substances are also often triggers of allergic reactions. These accompanying circumstances can have a negative effect on the organ system and thus encourage the development of a hypersensitivity reaction. A disposition to allergies can be genetic.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of an ibuprofen allergy:

• Gastrointestinal complaints

• swelling in the mouth

• skin rash

• shortness of breath

First of all, the affected person usually describes gastrointestinal complaints, swelling in the mouth and skin rashes. Shortness of breath or, in severe cases, an allergic shock can also occur. Allergic asthma can also be triggered. If the reaction is severe, it can be life-threatening. Normally, however, the ibuprofen allergy can be easily remedied. With more frequent use of ibuprofen, the signs worsen.

They can occur once, but also every time you come into contact with ibuprofen. It is important whether the patient already suffers from allergies to similar substances. If all contact with ibuprofen is avoided, the allergic reaction will subside after a short time. Allergy-related sequelae, such as asthma, can become chronic. Ibuprofen allergies can be averted by consistently avoiding an allergy-causing substance and choosing a different painkiller .

Diagnose

Especially since such a disease is a whole suffering and not a sign, the ibuprofen allergy should be researched as a whole. First of all, the healer should record all allergy-related symptoms and include any significant health disorders and existing diseases with an allergy-related examination. A medical examination is usually carried out in a doctor’s office or in an outpatient clinic. The diagnosis is made by the doctor examining the affected skin regions and examining the gastrointestinal tract. If necessary, an allergy test is carried out.

treatment and therapy

Typically, antiallergic drugs are used to treat an acute stage of an ibuprofen allergy. Skin-specific antiallergic agents, e.g. B. cortisone ointments , as well as cortisone injections can be used. Avoiding the absorption of ibuprofen into the body is unavoidable, otherwise, despite treatment, the allergy can flare up again or become dangerous. In any case, the disorder can be cured if medications that are likely to cause the same symptoms are avoided.

The ibuprofen allergy does not cause any lasting progression if this drug is consistently avoided. In order to strengthen people, the patient’s healthy attitude towards life is essential. Excessive consumption of alcohol , smoking and weight problems are to be reversed. The aging process of the patient is a decisive factor in the course of the disorder, because the determination of the treatment method and preparation should be determined accordingly.

Antiallergic agents can also have the opposite effect, so the medicine should be carefully selected. Rather, drugs for the immune defense should be avoided during an acute phase. Desensitization , in which the human immune system is trained to deal with the triggering substance, is advisable if it is successful. However, this is expensive and is usually not covered by statutory health insurance, as this procedure is controversial.

An individual diet can hardly remedy an ibuprofen allergy, since only the drug is affected. Job-specific risks that promote ibuprofen allergies, such as the usual contact with ibuprofen by doctors and nurses, must be made harmless with protective measures such as rubber gloves and, if necessary, protective clothing. Questionable treatments, which are not reimbursed by the statutory health insurance, can sometimes be harmful. The same should therefore not necessarily be used. Assistance from familiar people, acquaintances or advice centers is also suitable. At times, learning about allergies online can be equally useful.

prevention

Avoiding the use of ibuprofen and using other painkillers can permanently prevent an ibuprofen allergy. Such preparations have information about side effects and allergies on the package insert. Vaccines against allergic reactions are not available because they would put even more strain on the immune system. It should be asked whether the allergen in ibuprofen is also present in other painkillers. Other methods such as acupuncture can usually be accessed for prevention when the body is too weak. If the person concerned has sensitive organs, they should be spared by eating a low-fat diet. The statutory health insurers in this country pay the expenses due for treatment of the ibuprofen allergy.