autoimmune

Serum sickness

Serum sickness in humans is a reaction to proteins in antiserum derived from a non-human animal source, occurring an average of 12 days after exposure. Symptoms often include a rash, joint pain, fever, and lymphadenopathy. It is a type of hypersensitivity, specifically complex hypersensitivity. The term serum sickness–like reaction (SSLR) is occasionally used to refer to similar illnesses that arise from the introduction of certain non- substances, such as penicillin.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

·rash, joint pain, fever, lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes)

Causes — why it happens

·antiserum, some drugs

How it's found

·symptoms, blood test (low cell counts and complement counts), urine test

Prevention

·not using non-human antitoxins, prophylactic antihistamines or

Treatment

·resolves spontaneously

Outlook

·good

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.