This document discusses allergy awareness week and provides information about allergies and anaphylaxis. It notes that an estimated 21 million adults in the UK suffer from at least one allergy. It defines an allergy as an inappropriate immune response to normally harmless substances. Common allergy symptoms are listed. It also defines anaphylaxis as a life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect the airway, breathing, or circulation. The document outlines the three main characteristics of anaphylaxis and stresses that it should always be treated as a medical emergency by calling 999 and following other treatment steps.

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Airway Swollen tongue, lips of throat. A feeling of the
throat “closing up”.
A hoarse voice or loud pitched noisy breathing
Breathing Difficult, wheezy breathing or a “tight chest”
Circulation Dizziness, feeling faint or passing out
Pale, cold, clammy skin and fast pulse
Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Allergy Awareness Week 2016 - 25th April - 1st May
An estimated 21 million adults in the UK suffer from at least one allergy and the latest surveys show an increase in
rates of allergy throughout the world. In 10 years’ time allergy is expected to affect more than 50% of all Europeans.
Initially, the increase was in asthma (an allergic reaction in the lungs) and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). However, recent
studies have found a significant increase in the incidences of food allergies, particularly amongst children. It is
estimated that up to 50% of children in the UK are diagnosed with an allergic condition.
Allergy An inappropriate response of the body’s immune system to normally
harmless substances, such as; pollen, house dust mites, mould, foods, pet dander,
insect stings and medicines. Common symptoms associated with allergic conditions
include:
 sneezing, sinus pain and an itchy, runny or blocked nose,
 red, itchy, watering & swollen eyes
 wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a cough
 rash / hives
 swelling and/or itchy lips, throat and mouth
 sickness, vomiting & diarrhoea
There may be many reasons why you are experiencing these symptoms. If you think you are suffering from an allergy
or intolerance you should seek advice from your GP. The first step in allergy management and avoidance is to identify
the cause. Once the offending allergen is identified the appropriate treatment and measures can be put into place.
For more information on allergies: https://www.allergyuk.org
Over 20,000 cases admitted to hospital each year with allergy, 61.8% (12,560) of admissions due to allergic reactions
were emergencies.
Anaphylaxis An extremely dangerous allergic
reaction caused by a massive overreaction of the
body’s immune system. Most common reactions are
to medication, insect stings and foods e.g. nuts and
seafood.
Three main characteristics of Anaphylaxis
1. A rapid onset. The casualty becomes very ill, very
quickly
2. A skin rash, flushing and/or swelling (not all casualties have this)
3. A life threatening Airway, Breathing or Circulation problem (it may be just one ABC problem or all three)
Treatment Always treat anaphylaxis as a medical emergency - Call
999
 Lay the casualty down. Standing or sitting up could result in the heart instantly stopping due to a
life-threatening fall in blood pressure!
 If the casualty feels lightheaded or faint – raise their legs using a chair or table.
 If the casualty has an auto-injector of adrenaline. They should be able to use it, however, you may need to assist
them. This can save their life if given promptly.
 A dose of adrenaline can be repeated at 5 minute intervals if there is no improvement or the symptoms return.
Up to 1 in 5 allergic people suffer a serious debilitating disease and are in fear of death from a possible asthma attack
or anaphylactic shock.
Question: What would you do if one of your colleagues started to show signs of Anaphylaxis?