*Weird* Patient Allergies

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg.

What are some of the weird allergies/reactions that patients have told you they have? I can't remember so many that made me go "hmmmmm.." but not long ago, I came across these two (on the same person!):

Caffeine: causes tachycardia (really?)

Cocaine: anaphylaxis (perhaps you took too much??)

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Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

Saw a pt on tele not that long ago that was allergic to eggs... and ham. Wonder if it was only the green kind. Cheers, Ivanna

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

I've had people tell me they are allergic to Asa,.it gave them an ulcer,.allergic to potassium ,.hhmmm really? Many people say they are allergic to meds just because they don't like the way theymake them feel or they don't want to take them,....ie Augmentin ,.it causes nausea,..Compazine,.it causes anxiety,...epinephrine,..it causes "my heart to race",...etc,..many non medical people don't understand the difference between an adverse or even expected side effect of a drug and a true allergy,..then of course you have the people who are allergic to tylenol, toradol, NSAIDS, etc,...but they "do real with that "d" drug,..hhmm dil something,..dilad something",.......

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
I've had people tell me they are allergic to Asa,.it gave them an ulcer,.allergic to potassium ,.hhmmm really? Many people say they are allergic to meds just because they don't like the way theymake them feel or they don't want to take them,....ie Augmentin ,.it causes nausea,..Compazine,.it causes anxiety,...epinephrine,..it causes "my heart to race",...etc,..many non medical people don't understand the difference between an adverse or even expected side effect of a drug and a true allergy,..then of course you have the people who are allergic to tylenol, toradol, NSAIDS, etc,...but they "do real with that "d" drug,..hhmm dil something,..dilad something",.......

LOVE the acetaminophen/NSAID allergies...

I have so many times wanted to ask, do you know what being "allergic" to something actually MEANS?

I just thought the caffeine/tachycardia allergy was TOO funny...I know they don't understand it, but since we do, it can be good for a laugh...

"I don't have a problem with pain medication." First allergy listed? Methadone. Um, there's only one way to know you're allergic to something...

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When I was working as a paramedic we were packaging a woman from a car accident. When asked her allergies she replied, "Yellow snow". I couldn't even look at my partner after that! It was my partners turn to attend but he ran and jumped into the drivers seat and locked the door. So it was up to me to attend. I then had to patch to the hospital and when it came time for allergies, I had to to say it 3 times-without laughing- to the ER nurse as she thought she was misunderstanding me! :lol2:! But this turned out to be the least of this pt. pysch problems!!!

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Specializes in LTC.

i'm actually allergic to poinsettias. that's the oddest one i know.

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I know someone allergic to chicken! He breaks out in hives

wierd...

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

Had a pt once tell she was allergic to saline.

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We once had a patient who said she was allergic to enemas.

I probably am, too.

:lol:

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im allergic to enemas too LOL... It is an exit not an entrance ROFL.. that was cute!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, School and Camp Nursing.

I had a patient once told me he was allergic to cocaine. When I asked what his reaction was he replied "it makes me crazy".:lol2:

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While working at a kids camp I had a camper tell me he was allergic to "all fresh fruits and vegetables".

Nice Try

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