About 10% of the world's population has an allergy to penicillin. Although rare, the condition can be fatal, as some people develop severe symptoms that can lead to death if medical attention is not sought.

Read more: Learn about the health risks of self-medication

What is penicillin?

First of all, it is worth knowing what the drug is. Discovered in 1928, penicillin is one of the oldest antibiotics and is used to treat various bacterial infections. Since its creation, the drug has been improved to be produced on a larger scale, since the "original" penicillin is derived from fungi of the family Penicillium So science has developed synthetic and semi-synthetic versions with the same effectiveness to facilitate production.

What are the symptoms of penicillin allergy?

Although penicillin is a safe drug, some people can develop reactions to the substance and have allergies. As a result, ingestion is capable of causing hives on the skin, swelling of the face (mouth, eyelids, tongue and cheeks, for example) and throat, difficulty swallowing, and, in more serious cases, respiratory blockage and anaphylactic shock. It is therefore essential to seek medical help.immediately to avoid complications.

How to find out about penicillin allergy?

Oral or skin provocation tests help to identify sensitivity to penicillin. However, most people discover the condition after using the drug and feeling the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction. However, even with experience, it is important to see a medical allergist for testing. After all, even a supposedly allergic episode can be the resultof the combination of one or more drugs.

Care for those with allergies

If you have been diagnosed as allergic to penicillin, always report the fact to a doctor. To help with this, the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology (ASBAI) recommends carrying a document that indicates your allergy to the antibiotic. You can download the voucher from this link and fill it out with the necessary information. Print it out and keep it in your wallet with your documentsidentification to use it in emergency situations.

Finally, even if you don't know or have any allergies, avoid self-medication. After all, the practice can cause side effects, resistance to future treatments, and other health problems.

References: Mayo Clinic; ASBAI; CDC; and American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAI).