Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medications, and diseases interfere with your ability to heal or fight infection. You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to tell your health professional.

Conditions

• A severe allergic reaction in the past
• Being female
• A family history of allergies
• History of frequent:
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Sinus infections
  • Ear infections
  • Skin sensitivities

Lifestyle choices

• Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
• Drug abuse or withdrawal
• Smoking or other tobacco use
• Body piercings

Medications

• ACE inhibitors, such as captopril or enalapril
• Antibiotics, such as penicillin, cephalosporins, sulfonamides, or vancomycin
• Seizure medications, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or valproate
• Beta-blocking medications, such as propranolol, timolol, or metoprolol
• Blood and blood products
• Complementary and alternative medications, such as echinacea
• Contrast dyes used in X-ray studies
• COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex
• Enzymes, such as trypsin and streptokinase
• Medications used to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin
• Vaccines, antiviral medications, and immunoglobulins

Diseases

• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis
• Cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• HIV infection
• Nasal polyps