28 - Crossover of allergies

A patient completed a medical history form for treatment under sedation. Under the allergies section was the entry: ‘Allergic to aspirin - facial swelling'. The practitioner, on his own admission, stated that the patient was seen for two consultations with regard to removal of carious wisdom teeth. At both these consultations the patient confirmed his allergic reaction to aspirin and even noted the severity of the reaction by indicating he had a facial swelling from a previous reaction.

All four wisdom teeth were removed and the patient was prescribed metronidazole with hydrocodeine and ibuprofen. He was not aware of the crossover of the allergic nature of aspirin and ibuprofen even though he knew they were both NSAID.

It is important that appropriate action is taken on the information in a medical history and if there is any concern about interactions and side effects, every opportunity should be taken to explore such issues further.