Allergy Specialist Manassas, VA

Allergy Specialist Manassas, VA

When you believe you have an allergy to penicillin, or any other medication, it may be a good idea to ask an allergy specialist Manassas, VA recommends for help. Many people who believe they have allergies to the popular antibiotic actually do not; however, for some, their allergy is so serious that a reaction could be fatal. To avoid any serious repercussions of taking penicillin, or otherwise misdiagnose yourself with the allergy, you should be tested. Let an allergy specialist in Manassas, VA from Black & Kletz Allergy assist you. Call us for a consultation. 

Confirm Your Penicillin Allergy

Many people who were diagnosed with a penicillin allergy when they were younger will not continue to be allergic to it. New research suggests that the allergy tends to wear off, but most people will live their lives in the belief they cannot take the beneficial medication and end up paying a lot more money for alternative options. 

Before you assume you still have an allergy to penicillin, you can confirm it through accurate and effective testing. For a penicillin allergy test by a certified allergy specialist in Manassas, Virginia, call our office.

Facts About Penicillin Allergies

The penicillin family of antibiotics is routinely prescribed in the US. These medications are also the most common drug allergy. Up to 10 percent of patients, or nearly 30 million people, have self-reported an allergy to penicillin. However, when tested, 90% of these people were not actually allergic. 

80% of patients who did have a penicillin allergy lost it within 10 years. By failing to confirm a penicillin allergy, the quality of healthcare could be compromised.

Testing for a Penicillin Allergy

A Manassas, VA allergy specialist can help their patients confirm whether or not you are allergic to penicillin through a simple skin test. This is the most reliable method for determining whether or not you are hypersensitive to penicillin. Most patients will not have this allergy. 

The testing procedure can be completed within a few hours and involves scratch and intradermal testing. If the skin testing is negative, you may be given an oral dose of the medication while under the supervision of a doctor. If your test is positive, the allergy doctor will help you to understand how to manage your penicillin allergy.

Managing Your Allergy to Penicillin

If you are allergic to penicillin, it is important that you:

• Notify your primary care physician and any other doctor about the allergy.
• Educate yourself about all penicillin related medications.
• Know about alternative antibiotics.
• Wear an allergy necklace or bracelet.
• Include the allergy on your driver’s license.
• Let family, friends, and co-workers know about your allergy. 

The allergy specialist Manassas, VA offers might also provide you with a self-injectable allergy pen, as well as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other medications. 

Anaphylaxis – What to Do if You Cannot Breathe

If you are unable to breathe after taking penicillin, or you feel like your throat is closing up, you should call 9-1-1. 

Would You Like to Be Tested for a Penicillin Allergy?

If you would like to confirm a penicillin allergy, call an allergy specialist Manassas, VA residents rely on at Black & Kletz Allergy for quality medical care and advice.