Family Health: Allergy vs. Adverse Reaction

Do you know the difference between an allergy and adverse reaction?  When taking medication of any type, prescription or non-prescription, reactions from a single or multiple drugs may occur.  An allergic reaction usually involves allergy symptoms which may include difficulty breathing, hives, and itching.  Adverse reactions may include this and much more essentially indicating your body is unable to tolerate the medicine.

It is important that your health care team is aware of any reactions to medication you have taken.  When asked about allergies be sure to include adverse reactions as well.  It is also important to note any drug-drug and drug-food interactions you may have experienced.  Medication in the same drug class are often offered as alternatives. These can also be adversely tolerated.

Be aware of your medication history and include it in your medical history.  Share this with all of your healthcare providers.  This will assure that you will be unlikely to be prescribed anything that may cause an allergic or adverse reaction.  Best health!

Read and Learn for Your Health

Read what you need. Learn about what you need to maintain good health and well-being.  Health literacy is an important part of your self-care health care.  It helps promote better health and quality of life. 

Medical science progresses so rapidly!  It is impossible for health care providers to keep up with all these new developments. Be aware of treatments your doctors and healthcare team have yet to hear about or are unlikely to ever find out about.  The overwhelming amount of new health information that comes out is far too much for many to stay current on every disease and treatment.  This should not stop you the patient from finding out all you can.  The same goes for wellness.  Participating in your health care is mandatory to maintain good health, achieve wellness, and overcome illness.

There are so many different treatments and modalities that compliment traditional medicine.  As many lack training in these areas they are unable to tell the patient.  Asking your doctor is a good starting place as is telling your doctor about the things you have read about or tried that helped.  In turn this may evoke a response by your physician to find out more, and even share with other patients and colleagues who may in turn share their “new” information which your doctor can share with you.

Reading and learning are vital to good health.  Informed choices based on fact have proven to yield better health outcomes.  Best health!