Dr. Catherine Mary Biggs – Allergist / Immunologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Catherine Mary Biggs is a dedicated Allergist / Immunologist, committed to providing expert care for patients of all ages with allergic or immunologic conditions. Practicing at an allergy and immunology clinic in Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized allergy and immunology care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and safety in patient treatment. Her focus is on delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care, utilizing the latest diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment strategies to address a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions.

Dr. Biggs graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2011. Following her medical degree, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy. She is a board-certified Allergist / Immunologist with extensive postgraduate training in allergy and immunology, and she holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her advanced training and certifications enable her to provide precise diagnosis and effective management for complex allergic and immunologic disorders.

Her professional philosophy centers on accurate diagnosis and personalized management of allergic and immunologic conditions. She is dedicated to empowering her patients through education about their conditions and self-management strategies. By utilizing the latest advancements and evidence-based approaches in allergy and immunology, Dr. Biggs strives to improve her patients' quality of life by minimizing symptoms and preventing severe reactions. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and integrated care. All communication and patient care are conducted in English, with a focus on compassion, clarity, and patient understanding.

Dr. Catherine Biggs provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:

Respiratory Allergies

Dr. Biggs manages includes allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma.

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye) due to allergens, causing itchy, red, watery, and swollen eyes.
• Chronic Sinusitis (Allergy-Related): Persistent inflammation of the sinuses often linked to underlying allergies or nasal polyps.
• Allergic Asthma: Asthma triggered or worsened by exposure to allergens, leading to airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Food and Drug Allergies

Dr. Biggs manages management involves strict avoidance of the trigger, emergency preparedness (epinephrine), and sometimes desensitization procedures.

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) - Allergy Related: Managed with dietary elimination, topical corticosteroids, or biologics.
• Common Food Allergies (e.g., Peanut, Tree Nuts, Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shellfish): Immune system reactions to specific food proteins, causing symptoms like hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, or anaphylaxis.
• Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction): Common triggers include foods, insect stings, medications, and latex.

Insect Sting and Other Specific Allergies

Dr. Biggs manages allergic reactions to various specific triggers, including insect venoms, latex, or other less common allergens.

• Alpha-Gal Allergy (Red Meat Allergy): Symptoms typically occur 3-6 hours after meat consumption.
• Mast Cell Disorders (e.g., Mastocytosis, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): Managed with medications to control mast cell mediator release and symptoms.
• Latex Allergy: Symptoms can range from skin irritation to anaphylaxis upon contact or inhalation of latex particles.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Catherine Biggs is necessary.

• Consultation for Autoimmune Conditions with Allergic/Immunologic Overlap: Assisting in the diagnosis and management of complex immune dysregulation.
• Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Food Allergies (Specialized Centres): Aims to increase the threshold for reaction and reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions.
• Management of Urticaria (Hives) and Angioedema: Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic hives and swelling.
• Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry) for Asthma: Helps assess airway obstruction and response to treatment.
• Management of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Strategies to control flare-ups and improve skin health.
• Asthma Diagnosis and Management: Comprehensive care for asthma, including diagnosis, personalized treatment plans with inhalers and other medications.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Biggs.

All allergy and immunology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) and relevant international guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Biggs practices at an allergy and immunology clinic situated in Vancouver's Shaughnessy and Arbutus Ridge South neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently located near the Vancouver Art Gallery and is easily accessible via TransLink’s SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station). The facility is well-equipped for allergy testing and consultations, providing a professional and supportive environment for patients seeking allergy and immunology care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for patients with mobility needs.

What does an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Biggs specialize in?

An Allergist / Immunologist, such as Dr. Biggs, is a medical doctor (MD) who has specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing allergies, asthma, and immunologic disorders. This includes conditions like hay fever, food allergies, eczema, hives, primary immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune diseases with immunologic components. A Allergist / Immunologist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

What types of allergy testing does Dr. Biggs perform?

To diagnose allergies, Dr. Biggs can utilize various testing methods. These often include skin tests for common environmental and food allergens, blood tests to measure allergy antibodies, and sometimes patch tests for skin contact allergies. The specific tests chosen will depend on your medical history and symptoms.

What is involved in an evaluation for a possible immunodeficiency by Dr. Biggs?

If an immunodeficiency is suspected (e.g., due to recurrent, severe, or unusual infections), Dr. Biggs will conduct a thorough evaluation. This typically involves a detailed medical and family history, a physical examination, and specialized laboratory tests to assess different components of the immune system (like antibody levels, white blood cell counts and function). The goal is to identify any underlying immune system weakness and develop an appropriate management plan.

How does Dr. Biggs help manage food allergies?

Dr. Biggs provides comprehensive management for food allergies. This includes accurate diagnosis through testing (skin tests, blood tests, or oral food challenges), developing strict allergen avoidance strategies, educating on label reading, and creating an emergency action plan, including the prescription and training for epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen®). She may also discuss emerging therapies like oral immunotherapy if applicable. Specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

Does Dr. Biggs offer allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops)?

Yes, Allergist / Immunologists like Dr. Biggs often prescribe and manage allergen immunotherapy. This treatment, available as allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) or under-the-tongue tablets/drops (sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT for certain allergens), helps your body build tolerance to specific allergens over time, reducing symptoms of hay fever, allergic asthma, or insect sting allergies. She can determine if immunotherapy is a suitable option for you. Specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.

When should I see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Biggs?

A consultation with Dr. Biggs is recommended if you need specialized allergy testing, are considering allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops), have a suspected immunodeficiency, or require expert management for conditions like anaphylaxis, chronic urticaria, or complex allergic disorders. Your primary care physician can help determine if a referral is appropriate.

4480 Oak St Room 1C31B, BC Children's Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4

Office Phone: (604) 875-2118 | Office Fax: (604) 875-3653

Dr. Biggs is a licensed Allergist / Immunologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Biggs, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Biggs's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332292/Biggs%2CCatherine