What are the causes of drug hypersensitivity?

Certain medications cause fever, rash, and inflammation of internal organs. When such symptoms occur as a pattern, the person has contracted drug hypersensitivity syndrome. If left unchecked the syndrome can prove fatal. Studies have shown that the incidence of 10% mortality is prevalent.

As early as 1959 the syndrome was under study. The naming of the syndrome happened only in 1996. The nomenclature also includes the acronym DRESS for Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms; Different patients have varying reactions to a single drug. One of the reactions occurs 7 to 10 days after the drug has entered the body. The symptoms may include fever and rash. Some patients may exhibit edema and gastrointestinal symptoms which may last for 7 to 14 days.

DRESS is known to occur 12 weeks after the drug has entered the system. Patients have increased counts of eosinophilia characterized by facial swelling, edema, and hepatitis among others. Some patients suffer from respiratory distress with wheezing causing deterioration in breathing.

Diagnosing the condition is via patient’s reports after starting the drug and by skin testing. The principal diagnosis is to differentiate the condition from toxic drug symptom. Skin testing requires careful analysis as a misdiagnosis can result in ananaphylactic reaction.

Treatment is discontinuation of the drug and supported by antihistamines as well as acorticosteroid. Desensitization is also a recommended line of treatment if the drug is the only available choice. This treatment again requires careful consideration.

Improving Air Quality for Treating Conjunctivitis

Conjunctiva is a thin membrane covering the eyeball. Allergens (airborne particles that can be dust, dust mites, pollen or other pollutants) irritate the conjunctiva then a condition erupts that is quite commonly seen. The condition is described as itching of the eyeball, swelling of the eyelid, watery discharge and pain.

Weather conditions also lead to this condition when dry weather increases pollutants and pollen in the atmosphere. Rain and cooler temperatures assuage these symptoms giving relief. The condition is termed conjunctivitis allergy which can exacerbate if not treated properly. Severe allergic conjunctivitis is development of nodules over the cornea that will ulcerate after a few days.

The discomfort to patients is acute with respect to sleeping, curtailment of social and work related activity and prevents people from driving. In general quality of life takes a sharp turn for the worse.  Major causes for this condition are increase in pollen, air pollution, certain chemicals in perfumes, dust mites, certain skin medications among others. Improving air quality is certainly a right step that needs to be taken immediately by concerned Governments.

In this regard the EAACI (European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology) is spearheading international movement in forcing the powers-to-be to act and implement improving air quality legislation. Coupled with climate change goals as declared in the Paris agreement on Climate Change in Dec 2015 it appears that Governments and lawmakers are understanding that there is a benefit to the citizens as well as to the expenditure incurred by the Government. Double whammy indeed.