Title: Sulfa Allergy: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Headings: An Overview of Sulfa Allergy
An Overview of Sulfa Allergy
Symptoms
Common
Severe
When to Call 911
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Sulfonamides vs. Sulfates
Understanding Sulfite Allergy
A Word From Verywell

Content: 10 ﻿
Diagnosis
There are no skin or blood tests available to diagnose a sulfa allergy. The diagnosis is usually based on a careful examination of symptoms as well as a review of your current and previous medication use. 1 ﻿
Ideally, a physician will document what specific sulfa drug was associated with what specific reaction. This ensures that the drug is avoided in the future even if it is sold under a different trade name. Once the drug that caused the reaction is determined, it's a good idea to keep a record of it (and even wear a medical bracelet advising of the concern) in the event of a future incident. Treatment
The first-line treatment of a sulfa allergy is the termination of the suspected drug. However, in milder cases where a sulfa drug is considered essential to the treatment of an infection, your doctor and/or allergist may supervise the administration of smaller doses, gradually increasing the dose as tolerated. This is referred to as allergy desensitization. 11 ﻿
Anaphylaxis requires an immediate epinephrine injection to halt the reaction, followed by supportive care and non-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids. 6 ﻿
SJS and TEN also require emergency medical treatment, including pain medications, corticosteroids, and intravenous hydration.