The Anaphylaxis Campaign - providing support and information to people at risk from life-threatening allergic reactions
Last updated 14/04/2008 14:59:25
Acute, severe allergy is thought to affect around one million people.
The prevalence of peanut allergy in children has tripled in the last decade with more than one in 70 children across the UK allergic to peanuts.
A severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis - the extreme end of the allergic spectrum – and is potentially life-threatening if not treated quickly with adrenaline. The whole body is affected, often within minutes of exposure to the allergen but sometimes after hours.
Serious symptoms include a severe drop in blood pressure (where you go weak and floppy), severe asthma, or a closing of the throat.
Symptoms and treatment Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) –
The symptoms
- generalised flushing of the skin
- nettle rash (hives) anywhere on the body
- swelling of throat and mouth
- difficulty in swallowing or speaking
- alterations in heart rate
- severe asthma
- abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
- sudden feeling of weakness (drop in blood pressure)
- collapse and unconsciousness