Posted on September 17, 2008 in Latest News
When your child is given a medication for an illness, he/she can develop an allergic reaction. Allergic reaction should, however, be distinguished from side-effects from the medication.
Side-Effects and Allergic Reaction to Medications:
Side-effects from medication are common. About 10% to 15% of hospitalized patients will undergo an unintended reaction to medication. However, true allergic reaction occurs in about only 1 in 10 adverse drug reactions.
Allergic reaction does not occur at the first time the medication is taken. Subsequent dosage of the medication usually causes the allergic reaction.
How Parents can Help their Kids?
Educating yourself with the side-effects of the medication can help you distinguish an allergic reaction from the side-effect of the medication. Keeping a log detailing the allergic reaction of your child is also advisable. The log may contain the following details:
• When the medication was started?
• When the allergic reaction occurred?
• The name of the medication taken
• The type of reaction to medication
• The duration and extent of the reaction
• The treatment your child received for the reaction
Physicians, as they are busy, may spend less time with their patients. Though they may have a record detailing the reactions to medications, crucial information may be missed or overlooked. Having a log detailing the reaction gives important information to your pediatrician. In this way, your pediatrician would be able to treat your child effectively.
Comments
Leave a Reply
