Sulfa allergies are adverse reactions of the immune system to sulfonamides group of drugs. There is confusion prevalent on the usage of the term. This is often mistakenly used for allergies of sulfite, sulfate salts and the chemical element sulfur. But the fact is that “sulfa allergies” applies only to sulfonamides group of drugs, that includes those without and with antibiotic characteristics.
Although antibiotic sulfonamides were the first drugs which were used to treat infections, nowadays they are not used due to their common side effects. It is estimated that the overall incidence of the drug reactions or adverse reactions is approximately 3%. People with immune problems are at higher risk of developing allergic reactions. Common antibiotics of this group are Bactrim, Septra and Pediazole.
Here are symptoms of sulfa allergy:
Skin reactions: Skin is affected in this type of allergy. It can range from mild symptoms to severe diseases. Even life threatening skin diseases like toxic epidermal necrosis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome can occur due to allergic reaction.
Respiratory system symptoms: Sulfa allergy can affect the lung and cause pneumonia-like symptoms. Asthma is triggered in asthmatic patients. Vasculitis can also occur.
Blood cells reactions: The allergy affects blood cells which results in decrease of white red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Severe reactions: In severe sulfide reactions kidney and liver are damaged. Liver can develop symptoms of hepatitis. There can be marked decrease in functional unit of kidney, leading to kidney failure.
Knowing about these reactions does not mean that you should stop sulfonamide medications that are prescribed by a doctor. Many doctors do prescribe sulfonamide medicines but they do after considering many things. This article is intended to give the information about the allergic reactions and definitely does not mean to subvert physicians. It is better that one takes these drugs cautiously even if one suffers from allergic reactions.
