B.C. Allergist Tackles Misdiagnosis of Penicillin Allergies

In British Columbia, a significant number of individuals diagnosed with a penicillin allergy may not actually have one. Dr. Tiffany Wong, an allergist and co-lead of the penicillin de-labelling project, is spearheading efforts to address this issue. She has developed a practical tool for healthcare professionals to evaluate patients who suspect they have a penicillin allergy, aiming to identify those who are at low risk.

Research from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control indicates that approximately 10 percent of the population reports a penicillin allergy, yet fewer than 1 percent actually possess a true allergy. Further findings suggest that over 80 percent of individuals who believe they are allergic can safely receive penicillin.

Common Misdiagnosis and Its Consequences

Dr. Wong notes that misdiagnoses often stem from symptoms that are mistaken for allergic reactions. Conditions like rashes, which can appear in children taking antibiotics, are frequently attributed to the medication instead of the underlying infection. “We have years of research and data looking at children and adults, and then we go back and challenge them with the antibiotics,” Dr. Wong stated. “Over 90 percent of them can tolerate it.”

This misdiagnosis poses a significant problem, as penicillin remains one of the most effective treatments for common ailments such as ear infections and pneumonia. Alternatives are often less effective, more costly, and can lead to serious side effects. Dr. Wong emphasizes, “By the time people are sick and need an antibiotic, that’s not a good time to do a test dose.”

Streamlined Assessment Process

The long wait to see an allergist in British Columbia can extend up to two years. Dr. Wong advises that individuals uncertain about their penicillin allergy should consult their general practitioners. Many healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and nurse practitioners, can perform assessments during routine visits.

“You don’t need to see an allergist in order to be de-labelled because most people aren’t actually allergic,” Dr. Wong explained. Her project, which began a decade ago, has seen increased awareness and participation from healthcare professionals, yet she acknowledges that much work remains to be done. “We have finally been able to get the snowball rolling,” she said. “Until we can actually practice primary prevention, which is not erroneously diagnosing people with an allergy in the first place, it’s going to be a while.”

As efforts continue to clear the misconceptions surrounding penicillin allergies, the emphasis remains on accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes across the board.