Allergies

Allergies are abnormal reactions to things known as allergens. Though typically harmless to most people, for someone with an allergy, allergens can cause symptoms that can range from itching to possibly life-threatening.

Tips & Links

• Be aware that common allergens include foods, dust, plant pollen, latex, and medications.
• Signs of allergies can be skin reactions (hives, welts, itching, or a rash), respiratory symptoms (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, or wheezing), or gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain). The most severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis (a life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms like swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness).
• Share any allergies you may have, even if you have only experienced mild reactions like redness or itching. Repeated exposure can lead to stronger allergic reactions, so it is best to avoid the allergens.
• Make sure you list all your allergies in your health profile.
• Learn more about allergies and what to do from Healthlink BC.
• Ensure that all your allergies are written in your physician’s, pharmacist’s, and hospital’s electronic health record (EHR).
• Allergies to medications, also known as drug allergies, are adverse reactions that occur when a person’s immune system identifies a specific medication or drug as a harmful substance.
• Learn about carrying an EpiPen(injectable epinephrine) if you have a severe, life-threatening allergy.
• Consider wearing a Medic Alert bracelet, necklace, or getting a tattoo to inform first responders and others about any severe allergies.
• Tell your pharmacist if you have any reactions to medications, supplements, herbs, vitamins or over the counter drugs.

Tools – Handouts & Videos