Allergiesare of serious concern to healthcare professionals, whether in the context of hospital care or a healthcare provider’s visit. Serious errors, sometimes grave, can occur if an allergy is not identified in advance of a surgical procedure or even simple, in-office treatment for an infection.
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As a result, hospitals and other healthcare facilities have taken steps to improve the early identification of known drug allergies in the people they care for.
How to Know If Your Allergies Are Properly Notated
Today, people admitted to a hospital must undergo intake, which includes listing any known allergy they may have. These are included in the person’s medical records and typically shared with the treating healthcare provider and any other specialist who may be involved.
If you see a healthcare provider for the first time or are about to undergo surgery, take note of your chart or medical file, which often includes the abbreviation “NKA” or “NKDA.”
NKA vs. NKDANKA is the abbreviation for “no known allergies,” meaning no known allergies. By contrast, NKDA stands exclusively for “no known drug allergies.”
NKA vs. NKDA
NKA is the abbreviation for “no known allergies,” meaning no known allergies. By contrast, NKDA stands exclusively for “no known drug allergies.”
If the abbreviation is not there and there is no notation of an allergy you know you have, let the healthcare provider know immediately. If, on the other hand, the notation is incorrect—say, you are allergic to latex and see NKDA—notify your healthcare provider of the error.
Surgeons can only respond to the information they are given, and unless errors in your file are corrected, you stand the chance of an allergic reaction.
Common Drug Allergies
While any drug can create an allergic reaction, certain ones are more likely than others. These include:
Reactions can vary from person to person, with some developing an itchy rash while others start wheezing and developing swelling of the face. In those who have had a previous reaction, re-exposure only increases the chance of an even more severe reaction, escalating with each repeated exposure.
Others may still develop anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction involving the whole body. Symptoms can appear in seconds and include hives, facial swelling, fluid in the lungs, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, and shock.
Moreover, once a person experiences anaphylaxis, there will always be a risk if re-exposed to the same drug or substance.
Overview of the Most Common Drug Allergies
Avoiding Allergic Reactions in a Medical Setting
In addition to correcting mistakes in your medical file, never assume that “allergy” only means drug allergy. Let your healthcare provider know if you’ve had an allergic reaction, even an insect sting or a rash that has developed from something you’ve touched (contact allergic dermatitis) or been exposed to (irritant contact dermatitis).
If you’ve had a previous anaphylactic episode, consider getting a medical alert ID bracelet or similar device to warn healthcare providers or medics in the event of an emergency.
The more a healthcare provider or hospital knows about your allergy history, the safer you’ll be when undergoing medical procedures.
Summary
Drug allergies can have serious outcomes for people if allergies are not properly documented or communicated. Healthcare providers should be familiar with the list of drugs that are more likely to cause an allergic reaction, even if a person doesn’t have a history of being allergic to that medication.
A Word from Verywell
Allergies and anaphylaxis can have serious, life-threatening consequences. If you think you might be allergic to something, communicate this concern to your healthcare providers whenever you seek care.
Obtaining a medical alert bracelet may make sense if you have a history of anaphylaxis. While it is rare to have a true medication allergy, serious non-allergic reactions should still be reported to your healthcare provider and notated in your medical record.
Frequently Asked QuestionsTrue allergies to medicines are considered rare. There are many instances where there are adverse drug reactions or non-allergic reactions (meaning unwanted side effects), but those are not considered a true allergic reaction. True allergies can be diagnosed with a test to confirm an immune response that indicates an allergy.It is possible to develop an allergy to a drug in response to the first use or after repeated exposure (also called sensitization). Reactions can happen in the first few minutes to hours after taking the medication or six weeks later.Penicillin is the most commonly reported medication to cause an allergic reaction, with an estimated 10% of people reporting it as an allergy.
Frequently Asked Questions
True allergies to medicines are considered rare. There are many instances where there are adverse drug reactions or non-allergic reactions (meaning unwanted side effects), but those are not considered a true allergic reaction. True allergies can be diagnosed with a test to confirm an immune response that indicates an allergy.
It is possible to develop an allergy to a drug in response to the first use or after repeated exposure (also called sensitization). Reactions can happen in the first few minutes to hours after taking the medication or six weeks later.
Penicillin is the most commonly reported medication to cause an allergic reaction, with an estimated 10% of people reporting it as an allergy.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medication errors associated with documented allergies.Pa Patient Saf Advis. 2008;5(3):75-80.The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Medications and drug allergic reactions.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Drug allergy.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Drug allergies.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medication errors associated with documented allergies.Pa Patient Saf Advis. 2008;5(3):75-80.The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Medications and drug allergic reactions.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Drug allergy.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Drug allergies.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Medication errors associated with documented allergies.Pa Patient Saf Advis. 2008;5(3):75-80.The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Medications and drug allergic reactions.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Drug allergy.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Drug allergies.
Medication errors associated with documented allergies.Pa Patient Saf Advis. 2008;5(3):75-80.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Medications and drug allergic reactions.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Drug allergy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Drug allergies.
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