Food Allergies May Not Always Be Handed Down Between Siblings

But the study found none of those reactions after allergy testing and treatment with multiple courses of intravenous penicillins.

The study, presented by ACAAI member and lead author Dr. Ruchi Gupta, analyzed the rates of food allergy among people whose sibling had been previously diagnosed with one and found that less than one in six carried their own version, though slightly more than half did have a few degree of food sensitivity. When it comes to penicillin, new research stated that many of those who have heard the opinion of a physician regarding penicillin allergy may not be allergic at all.

However, due to reasonable fears, they steer away from penicillin. As a result, they’re prescribed more risky and expensive antibiotics, according to the news release.

About 10 percent of Americans carry a label of penicillin allergy, and others have an “allergic history” to other antibiotics. “The problem is that anyone who has any type of reaction [after being given penicillin] – even a rash that isn’t an allergic rash – is subsequently told they’re penicillin-allergic”, says Deborah Weichenberg, MD, an allergist based in NYC.

You should think twice about your penicillin allergy.

Many people who’ve been told they’re allergic to penicillin may be able to safely take the drug, a small study suggests.

A specialized doctor will subject patients reporting allergic reactions to penicillin to a number of tests that will reveal the final diagnosis. “In general, patients who see an allergist and who are on prescription medication are more satisfied with their allergy treatment”.

Gupta and his colleagues pored over the records of 1,120 people (ages 0 to 21) who had participated in the Chicago Family Cohort Food Allergy Study, ultimately looking at the 642 siblings of 478 index children (people with a documented food allergy).

At the Annual Meeting, Dr. Solensky will present “Drug allergy: options beyond avoidance” where he will discuss options for patients who have drug allergies, as well as patients who have been told they have drug allergies, but do not. “We do that with individualized therapies and use of asthma action plans which help asthma sufferers recognize when they need help”. Any claim of allergy to penicillin should be immediately tested with an allergist. Risks of treatment with other, stronger antibiotics include strengthening antibiotic resistance and weakening of the immune system.