Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur in response to a trigger such as food, insect sting or medication.
In Australia, the most common triggers of anaphylaxis are:
* Foods – particularly peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, seafood and sesame seeds
* Insect stings – particularly from bees and wasps
* Medications – including some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin
Anaphylaxis can occur very quickly after exposure to the trigger and can cause a range of symptoms including swelling of the face, lips or tongue; difficulty breathing; wheezing; coughing; nausea and vomiting; stomach cramps; diarrhoea; dizziness and collapse.
If you think someone is having an anaphylactic reaction, it is important to call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately. Anaphylaxis can be treated with adrenaline, which must be given as soon as possible.
While there is no cure for anaphylaxis, it is important to be aware of the triggers and to have a management plan in place in case of a reaction.
If you or your child has had an anaphylactic reaction, it is important to see an allergy specialist to discuss your options and develop a management plan. This may involve avoiding known triggers, carrying emergency medication and wearing a medical alert bracelet.
Anaphylaxis can occur very quickly after exposure to the trigger and can cause a range of symptoms including:
* Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
* Difficulty breathing
* Wheezing
* Coughing
* Nausea and vomiting
* Stomach cramps
* Diarrhoea
* Dizziness
* Collapse
If you think someone is having an anaphylactic reaction, it is important to call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately. Anaphylaxis can be treated with adrenaline, which must be given as soon as possible.
If you or your child has had an anaphylactic reaction, it is important to see an allergy specialist to discuss your options and develop a management plan. This may involve avoiding known triggers, carrying emergency medication and wearing a medical alert bracelet.
Anaphylaxis is diagnosed by taking a thorough medical history and performing skin prick testing or blood tests. A skin prick test involves placing a drop of the suspected allergen on the skin and then making a small prick in the skin to allow the allergen to enter. If you are allergic to the substance, you will develop a raised, itchy bump within 15-20 minutes.
A blood test can also be used to diagnose an allergy. This involves taking a blood sample and sending it to a laboratory where it is tested for the presence of antibodies to the suspected allergen.
If you or your child has had an anaphylactic reaction, it is important to see an allergy specialist to discuss your options and develop a management plan. This may involve avoiding known triggers, carrying emergency medication and wearing a medical alert bracelet.
Anaphylaxis can be treated with adrenaline, which must be given as soon as possible.
While there is no cure for anaphylaxis, it is important to be aware of the triggers and to have a management plan in place in case of a reaction.
If you or your child has had an anaphylactic reaction, it is important to see an allergy specialist to discuss your options and develop a management plan. This may involve avoiding known triggers, carrying emergency medication and wearing a medical alert bracelet.
The management plan will be tailored to your individual needs and will depend on the severity of your allergy and the likelihood of exposure to the trigger.
Your management plan may include:
* Avoiding known triggers
* Carrying emergency medication
* Wearing a medical alert bracelet
* Undergoing regular allergy shots (desensitisation therapy)
* Participating in anaphylaxis training
Your management plan will be tailored to your individual needs and will depend on the severity of your allergy and the likelihood of exposure to the trigger.
If you have a severe allergy, you may need to carry two doses of adrenaline with you at all times. You should also wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace so that people are aware of your allergy in case you are unable to communicate.
Anaphylaxis training can be accessed through your local hospital, community health centre or allergy specialist. This training will provide you with the skills and knowledge to manage an anaphylactic reaction.
Desensitisation therapy (also known as allergy shots) is a treatment that can be used for people with severe allergies who are at risk of exposure to the trigger. This therapy involves receiving regular injections of the allergen over a period of time, which will eventually lead to tolerance and a decrease in the severity of reactions.
If you or your child has had an anaphylactic reaction, it is important to see an allergy specialist to discuss your options and develop a management plan. This may involve avoiding known triggers, carrying emergency medication and wearing a medical alert bracelet. Anaphylaxis can be treated with adrenaline, which must be given as soon as possible. While there is no cure for anaphylaxis, it is important to be aware of the triggers and to have a management plan in place in case of a reaction.
