Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Antibodies

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Serum sickness

Treatment: The goal of treatment is the relief of symptoms. Topical corticosteroids or other soothing topical (applied to a localized area of the skin) medications may relieve discomfort from itching and rash. Antihistamines may shorten the duration of illness and help to relieve rash and itching. Text Continues Below Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may relieve joint pain. Corticosteroids such as prednisone may be prescribed for severe cases. Medications causing the problem should be stopped and future use of the medication or antiserum should be avoided. Health care providers (such as dentists and hospital personnel) should be advised of drug allergies before treating the patient. Identifying jewelry or cards (such as Medic-Alert or others) may be advised. Expectations (prognosis): The symptoms usually resolve within a few days. The antiserum or medication should be avoided in the future. Complications: Increased risk of anaphylaxis for future exposures to the substance is a possible complication. Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if medication or antiserum has been given within the last 2 weeks and symptoms of serum sickness appear.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.