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Is Dress an Allergy?

Published in Drug Allergy 2 mins read

The answer is not straightforward, but the condition called DRESS is related to allergies. Here's a detailed explanation:

What is DRESS?

DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It's a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction, most commonly to certain medications, that manifests as a type of drug allergy.

Key Points About DRESS:

  • Drug-Related: DRESS is triggered by medications, classifying it as an adverse drug reaction.
  • Allergy Type: DRESS is considered a type of drug allergy according to the provided reference.
  • Systemic: It affects multiple organs and systems in the body, making it a systemic reaction.

How DRESS Differs from Typical Allergies

While DRESS is a drug allergy, it differs from typical allergies like hay fever or food allergies. DRESS typically takes days to weeks after medication exposure to develop, while common allergies often occur within minutes to hours.

Symptoms of DRESS

  • Fever: Often a high temperature.
  • Skin Rash: A widespread rash that can cover large parts of the body.
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged glands, usually in the neck, armpits or groin.
  • Organ Involvement: Can affect the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart, leading to potential complications.
  • Eosinophilia: An increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood.

Medications Associated with DRESS

A wide variety of medications can cause DRESS, including:

  • Anticonvulsants: Used to treat seizures
  • Antibiotics: Used to treat bacterial infections
  • Allopurinol: Used to treat gout
  • Sulfasalazine: Used to treat inflammatory bowel disease
  • Antiretrovirals: Used to treat HIV

Table Summary

Feature DRESS Typical Allergy
Type Severe drug reaction with systemic effects Common type of allergic reaction
Onset Days to weeks after exposure Minutes to hours after exposure
Symptoms Fever, rash, organ involvement Itching, sneezing, swelling
Severity Potentially life-threatening Typically less severe
Cause Medication Environmental triggers such as pollen, food, etc.

Conclusion

While the term "dress" is not an allergy, the acronym DRESS stands for a drug reaction that is a type of drug allergy. This condition is serious and requires prompt medical attention. If you suspect you may have DRESS, consult a healthcare professional immediately.