r/emergencymedicine • u/Asleep-Palpitation43 Nurse Practiciner • Feb 02 '25

Advice Allergy Olympics

Is it wrong that if I see a patient has more than 10 allergies I IMMEDIATELY assume she's (bc it's always a she) a psych case?

In 24 years I've never been wrong.

You'll never read this in a textbook but add it to your practice today and thank me later👍

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554

u/tturedditor Feb 02 '25

Once had a lady in afib with RVR reported allergies to every rate control medication in our armamentarium. I told her to her face I didn't believe her and we were going to push diltiazem.

She of course did not have a reaction.

446

u/TheOtherPhilFry Feb 02 '25

Nobody is allergic to lightning.

195

u/heytheremoustache ED Attending Feb 02 '25

Seen that as a listed allergy. Along with "fresh fruits & veggies" in a 250 kg man.

27

u/catilineluu Feb 02 '25

Oral allergy syndrome is a thing! So it’s possible

2

u/Different-Counter658 Feb 02 '25

I have oral allergy syndrome! Also really bad hay fever and dust allergies, so I’m sure it’s related. But honestly there’s certain fruits/veggies I’ll eat raw anyways because I like them 😭