Serum Sickness
Serum Sickness
Serum sickness is an allergic reaction that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks foreign proteins, usually from medications or venoms. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Read our guide to: Serum Sickness
Serum Sickness
Serum sickness is an allergic reaction that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks foreign proteins, usually from medications or venoms. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Treatment and Care Options
Treatment for serum sickness is primarily supportive and aimed at managing symptoms and reducing inflammation. Your doctor will determine the best course of action, which may include:
- Oral antihistamines or corticosteroids to control allergic symptoms and inflammation.
- Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) in severe cases to remove the offending antibodies from the bloodstream.
- Supportive care, such as IV fluids and pain management, depending on the severity of symptoms.
It is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure all symptoms are managed effectively.
What Causes this Condition?
Serum sickness is a type of delayed allergic reaction. It happens when the immune system detects foreign proteins and mistakenly creates antibodies against them. These antibodies then cause inflammation.
- Reaction to foreign proteins, often from medications or venoms.
- Immune system overreaction (Hypersensitivity reaction).
- Sometimes triggered by underlying illnesses or infections.