The Definition of Allergy

. I need to help inform you about what an “allergy” is - at least in terms of what we in the medical profession call an allergy.

What is NOT an allergy(to a medication):

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Reflux or Heartburn

Feeling “weird“, “loopy“, or “out of it”

Going “crazy”

Anxiety or Palpitations

Urinary Symptoms

These are all INTOLERANCES or SENSITIVITIES, not allergies, which means you CAN take them if they are really necessary - often a dosage change or taking the drug with food or not can minimise the side effects.

What is an allergy:

A Rash - usually reddish or blotchy -often accompanied by:

Hives

Wheezing

Sneezing and Watery, Itchy Eyes

Swelling of the Tongue, Lips, Face, or Throat

Cardiovascular Collapse. (anaphylaxis)

Note, there are only a few things(other than foods) that are common to be allergic to:Antibiotics - mostly Penicillin and Sulpha -based drugs like Bactrim.

Everything else is very rare. Yet somehow once you develop a chronic pain condition you mysteriously develop an “allergy” to every pain medication out there except for narcotics……

Please be aware of this terminology when you are asked by the triage nurse whether or not you have allergies