Drug vs Food Allergy: Why Medications Can Cause Both Immediate and Delayed Reactions — While Foods Uncommonly Cause Severe Delayed Reactions This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare providers for personalized medical advice. Patients often ask:“Why can medications cause both rapid allergic reactions like hives or anaphylaxis and dangerous delayed reactions such as Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), while food allergies almost always appear immediately?” The difference lies in how the immune system processes drugs versus foods — and in…
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When and How to Perform Drug Provocation Tests in Drug Hypersensitivity: Timing Matters
Introduction Drug provocation test timing plays a critical role in evaluating suspected drug allergies. Drug provocation testing (DPT), also known as a drug challenge, remains the gold standard for confirming or ruling out drug hypersensitivity. However, success depends heavily on understanding how soon after drug exposure symptoms appear. By tailoring the timing and protocol of DPT based on the type of reaction—immediate, delayed, or severe—clinicians can improve diagnostic accuracy and minimize risk. This post outlines practical strategies, guideline updates, and real-world challenges that affect how and when drug provocation tests…
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