About
Dr. Joyce Wailin Yu 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. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality and ethical medical care. Dr. Yu's role focuses on comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide spectrum of allergic and immunologic disorders, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment strategies. The clinic is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where patients receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs, fostering better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
Dr. Yu received her medical degree (MD) and Master of Surgery (CM) from McGill University in 1999. Following her initial medical qualification, she completed residency training, typically in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics, followed by a specialized fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy. She is a board-certified Allergist / Immunologist with extensive postgraduate training in allergy and immunology, which enables her to offer expert evaluation and management of complex allergic conditions. Her certifications include Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, affirming her expertise and commitment to professional standards in her specialty.
Her professional philosophy centers on accurate diagnosis and personalized management of allergic and immunologic conditions. Dr. Yu is dedicated to empowering her patients through education about their conditions and self-management strategies. She utilizes the latest advancements and evidence-based approaches in allergy and immunology to minimize symptoms, prevent severe reactions, and enhance her patients' overall well-being. She values collaborative care, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and integrated treatment. All patient communication and care are delivered in English, with a focus on compassion, clarity, and respect for each individual's health journey.
Dr. Joyce Yu provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:
Respiratory Allergies
Dr. Yu manages allergic reactions affecting the airways, commonly triggered by airborne allergens like pollens, dust mites, molds, and animal dander.
- Allergic Asthma: Allergen immunotherapy may be beneficial for some patients.
- Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Nasal inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to airborne substances, leading to sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Often coexists with allergic rhinitis.
Food and Drug Allergies
Dr. Yu manages management involves strict avoidance of the trigger, emergency preparedness (epinephrine), and sometimes desensitization procedures.
- Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction): Common triggers include foods, insect stings, medications, and latex.
- Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES): A non-IgE mediated food allergy typically affecting infants and young children, causing delayed, severe vomiting and diarrhea.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) - Allergy Related: Managed with dietary elimination, topical corticosteroids, or biologics.
Insect Sting and Other Specific Allergies
Dr. Yu 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: Requires strict avoidance of latex-containing products.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Joyce Yu is necessary.
- Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Food Allergies (Specialized Centres): Aims to increase the threshold for reaction and reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions.
- Blood Tests for Allergy (e.g., Specific IgE testing): Laboratory blood tests to measure specific IgE antibodies to various allergens.
- Insect Sting (Venom) Allergy Diagnosis and Immunotherapy: Diagnosis of allergies to stings from bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets.
- Management of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Includes skincare recommendations, topical medications, and identification/management of allergic triggers.
- Evaluation and Management of Primary Immunodeficiencies (PID): May involve immunoglobulin replacement therapy, prophylactic antibiotics, and management of complications.
- Allergy Skin Testing (Prick/Puncture and Intradermal): Intradermal testing may be used for evaluating certain allergies with higher sensitivity.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Yu.
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. Yu practices primarily at an allergy and immunology clinic located in Vancouver's Kensington-Cedar Cottage East neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Granville Bridge and is accessible via TransLink services, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), Bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The clinic is equipped for allergy testing and consultations, providing a professional and welcoming environment for patients seeking allergy and immunology care. Patients usually find convenient parking options in proximity to the clinic, ensuring easy access for appointments. This location offers a dedicated space for comprehensive allergy and immunology services, ensuring patients receive thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plans.
- When should I see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Yu?
- You should consider seeing an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Yu if you experience persistent allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes), asthma that is difficult to control, recurrent infections, severe reactions to foods, insect stings, or medications, or have chronic skin conditions like eczema or hives. A referral from your family doctor is typically required.
- Does Dr. Yu offer allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops)?
- Yes, Allergist / Immunologists like Dr. Yu 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.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Yu?
- As an Allergist and Immunologist, Dr. Yu manages numerous conditions related to the immune system. These frequently include environmental allergies, food sensitivities and allergies, medication reactions, chronic sinus problems, skin rashes like eczema, and disorders where the immune system is underactive or overactive. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
- What does an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Yu specialize in?
- An Allergist / Immunologist, such as Dr. Yu, 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.
- How does Dr. Yu help manage food allergies?
- Dr. Yu 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.
- What types of allergy testing does Dr. Yu perform?
- Dr. Yu may perform several types of allergy tests to help identify your specific triggers. The most common is skin prick testing, where small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin. Blood tests (like Specific IgE tests) may also be used. For contact dermatitis, patch testing might be done. Depending on the suspected allergy (e.g., food or drug), supervised oral challenges could be considered in a controlled setting. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Yu?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Yu for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Yu has relevant medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your specific health concerns. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 876-4431.
Suite 506-1750 East 10th Ave, Pediatric Allergy and Dermatology Center
Vancouver, BC V5N 5K4
Office Phone: (604) 876-4433 | Office Fax: (604) 876-4431
Dr. Yu 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. Yu, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Yu's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324414/Yu%2CJoyce