Which symptom is seen during allergic reactions to penicillins?

Which symptom is seen during allergic reactions to penicillins?

• A. Dermatitis
• B. Bronchoconstriction
• C. Stomatitis
• D. Cardiovascular Collapse

Answer: (B)

IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to penicillins triggers release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells, leading to immediate effects in the airways. The histamine causes bronchial smooth muscle to constrict and the airways to swell, producing bronchoconstriction with wheezing and shortness of breath. This airway involvement is a hallmark of acute allergic reactions to penicillin. Dermatitis can occur in allergic reactions but is typically a different, often delayed presentation. Stomatitis isn’t a typical feature of penicillin allergy, and while severe reactions can progress to anaphylaxis with possible cardiovascular collapse, the symptom most directly tied to the immediate allergic response in these options is bronchoconstriction.

IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to penicillins triggers release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells, leading to immediate effects in the airways. The histamine causes bronchial smooth muscle to constrict and the airways to swell, producing bronchoconstriction with wheezing and shortness of breath. This airway involvement is a hallmark of acute allergic reactions to penicillin. Dermatitis can occur in allergic reactions but is typically a different, often delayed presentation. Stomatitis isn’t a typical feature of penicillin allergy, and while severe reactions can progress to anaphylaxis with possible cardiovascular collapse, the symptom most directly tied to the immediate allergic response in these options is bronchoconstriction.