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Suggest Treatment For Allergic Reaction To Propofol
Question: On Sept 10, I had a colonoscopy after a consultation with a nurse. In the past I only had to request anti-nausea treatment with anesthesia. I did not realize I would receive propofol. I did show the nurse my blood tests with high tryglicerides (265), low GFR calculation (49) and noted that I am allergic to soy. I did not realize I would be given propofol and that it should have been counterindicated if only for the soy allergy. For ten days, the injection site on my hand was a 2" circle of greenish-gray color. I had shallow breathing, dizziness, and was forgetful of appointments and pass words. I had trouble concentrating with no desire to exercise or to eat right. The injection site is almost back to normal, but my head still feels like it did after I had a concussion. What should I do?
Brief Answer:
Not due to propofol.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Propofol contains soy bean oil. However, there have been no confirmed anaphylactic reactions to propofol in soy-allergic people. It is a theoretical risk that has been difficult to prove. Therefore, some anesthetists will avoid propofol in patients allergic to soy. If you had suffered an allergic reaction to propofol, you would have experienced different symptoms to those that you describe. An allergic reaction would have been demonstrated by a rash, wheezing and a low blood pressure. These symptoms would have lasted for no longer than 24 hours.
Therefore, the symptoms you describe for ten days will not be due to the propofol. The skin changes around the injection site is most likely to be due to localised bruising from the injection rather than the propofol itself.
Your symptoms similar to concussion should be investigated. I suggest you see your doctor for blood tests and possibly an MRI of your head.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
Not due to propofol.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Propofol contains soy bean oil. However, there have been no confirmed anaphylactic reactions to propofol in soy-allergic people. It is a theoretical risk that has been difficult to prove. Therefore, some anesthetists will avoid propofol in patients allergic to soy. If you had suffered an allergic reaction to propofol, you would have experienced different symptoms to those that you describe. An allergic reaction would have been demonstrated by a rash, wheezing and a low blood pressure. These symptoms would have lasted for no longer than 24 hours.
Therefore, the symptoms you describe for ten days will not be due to the propofol. The skin changes around the injection site is most likely to be due to localised bruising from the injection rather than the propofol itself.
Your symptoms similar to concussion should be investigated. I suggest you see your doctor for blood tests and possibly an MRI of your head.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Kerry Pottinger
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist
Practicing since :1983
Answered : 1337 Questions
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