Corticosteroids allergy

Corticosteroids are widely used for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties in the treatment of respiratory, allergic and autoimmune diseases. Their adverse effects are well known, but allergic reactions to these drugs are relatively rare although they are sometimes severe. While the route of administration was different in the two cases reported here - one oral, the other by inhalation - the adverse reactions began soon after administration and presented the same symptoms, namely, cough, dyspnea and wheezing. Skin tests and/or provocation tests are essential to confirm the diagnosis. They require tests with different groups of molecules. For our young asthmatic patient, the results were positive for only one group of corticosteroids, which allowed us to prescribe an alternative treatment. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.