How long does it take to recover from serum sickness?

How long does it take to recover from serum sickness?

The symptoms typically occur one to two weeks after exposure to an offending agent and resolve within several weeks of discontinuation.

Which is the best treatment for serum sickness?

Withdrawal of the offending agent is the mainstay of treatment in serum sickness. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistamines provide symptomatic relief. Severe cases (multisystem involvement with significant symptoms [ 4]) may warrant a brief course of corticosteroids. In some cases, plasmapheresis can attenuate serum sickness.

How long does it take for serum sickness to go away?

The symptoms usually dissipate within 4 to 5 days after the offending drug is discontinued. The treatment of choice in serum sickness depends on the severity of the symptoms. The drug of choice for the treatment includes corticosteroids, antihistamines and analgesics.

How are antihistamines used to treat serum sickness?

Approach Considerations. Withdrawal of the offending agent is the mainstay of treatment in serum sickness. Anti-inflammatories and antihistamines provide symptomatic relief.

How to treat a rash caused by serum sickness?

In the meantime, your doctor might suggest some of these medications to help you manage your symptoms: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil), to reduce fever, joint pain, and inflammation antihistamines to help reduce rash and itching steroids, such as prednisone, for more severe symptoms

What is the goal of therapy for serum sickness?

Serum Sickness Treatment. Serum sickness is a self-limiting condition that normally resolves within a period of several days without treatment. The prognosis is relatively good except in serum sickness with involvement of internal organs. The primary aim of treatment is in the relief of symptoms .

Can you die from serum sickness?

Yes absolutely: One can die due to a very low hemoglobin level- for instance due to massive bleeding- due to lack of oxygenation on the vitals organ causing cell deaths , organ failure and ultimately death. The incidence is low in the usa, as we do have much better access to medical center. In the other …Read more.

What is the prognosis of serum sickness?

Serum sickness is a self-limiting condition that normally resolves within several days. The prognosis is relatively good except in cases where the internal organs are involved. Serum sickness can occur to anyone especially those who are undergoing treatment with anti-serum.

How is serum sickness prevented?

Prevention. Avoidance of antitoxins that may cause serum sickness is the best way to prevent serum sickness. Although, sometimes, the benefits outweigh the risks in the case of a life-threatening bite or sting. Prophylactic antihistamines or corticosteroids may be used concomitant with the antitoxin.