Post-Injection Inflammatory Reaction
Post-Injection Inflammatory Reaction
A post-injection inflammatory reaction is swelling, irritation, and other problems that develop after a person gets an injection. The reaction can develop at and around the injection site or far away from the injection site. It can develop right away and last for a short period of time. Or it can develop weeks after the injection and last for several hours or days.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
An allergy.
A response by your body's immune system (immune response).
Damage to the surrounding tissue from the injection.
Germs that enter the body through the injection site.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
Itching.
Redness.
A rash.
Warmth.
Swelling.
Tenderness.
Pain.
Fever or chills.
Muscle aches.
Nausea or vomiting.
Loss of appetite.
Headache.
Dizziness.
In severe cases, seizures, asthma, or a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur. These are rare.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition may be diagnosed with a physical exam. During the exam a circle may be drawn around the injection site. The circle helps show whether redness in the area is spreading.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition depends on what caused the reaction and how severe the reaction is. Treatments commonly involves:
Putting an ice pack over the injection site.
Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to reduce swelling and itching.
Taking an antibiotic medicine.
Taking pain medicine.
If the reaction affects a joint, you may also need to rest that joint for a while.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Keep the injection site clean.
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
If directed, apply ice to the injured area:
Put ice in a plastic bag.
Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
If the reaction affects a joint, rest your joint. Ask your health care provider when you can start using your joint again.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
Your symptoms last for several hours.
You develop a fever or chills.
You develop muscle aches.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
Your symptoms get worse.
You have trouble breathing.
You have seizures.
A post-injection inflammatory reaction is swelling, irritation, and other problems that develop after a person gets an injection. The reaction can develop at and around the injection site or far away from the injection site. It can develop right away and last for a short period of time. Or it can develop weeks after the injection and last for several hours or days.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
An allergy.
A response by your body's immune system (immune response).
Damage to the surrounding tissue from the injection.
Germs that enter the body through the injection site.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
Itching.
Redness.
A rash.
Warmth.
Swelling.
Tenderness.
Pain.
Fever or chills.
Muscle aches.
Nausea or vomiting.
Loss of appetite.
Headache.
Dizziness.
In severe cases, seizures, asthma, or a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur. These are rare.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition may be diagnosed with a physical exam. During the exam a circle may be drawn around the injection site. The circle helps show whether redness in the area is spreading.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition depends on what caused the reaction and how severe the reaction is. Treatments commonly involves:
Putting an ice pack over the injection site.
Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to reduce swelling and itching.
Taking an antibiotic medicine.
Taking pain medicine.
If the reaction affects a joint, you may also need to rest that joint for a while.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Keep the injection site clean.
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
If directed, apply ice to the injured area:
Put ice in a plastic bag.
Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
If the reaction affects a joint, rest your joint. Ask your health care provider when you can start using your joint again.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
Your symptoms last for several hours.
You develop a fever or chills.
You develop muscle aches.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
Your symptoms get worse.
You have trouble breathing.
You have seizures.