Serum Sickness
Description
A disorder that is similar to an allergic reaction that causes fever, rash and arthritis. Unlike a typical allergic reaction the symptoms do not appear until 7-10 days after exposure to a medication or an antiserum. The most common implicated medications include: cephalosporins, penicillins, or sulfa.
Symptoms
Fever, hives, joint pain, vomiting, rash, swollen lymph nodes.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms are typically performed.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the disease. Treatment may include: antihistamines, steroids, and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn). Pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). The offending agent must be stopped. Consider calling the National Poison Control Phone Number for further information or assistance: 1-800-222-1222.
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