www.anaphylaxis.org.uk

The Anaphylaxis Campaign: offering help and information for patients at risk of anaphylaxis

This little boy is suffering severe facial swelling and urticaria. These are not life-threatening in themselves but may lead to more severe symptoms, such as anaphylaxis.

Patients who are at risk of life-threatening allergic reactions often find information hard to come by. Even the most extreme form of allergy – anaphylaxis – is manageable, but those affected often find themselves lacking the most basic guidance. The Anaphylaxis Campaign is a national patient support organisation that meets this need.

Peanut allergy, kiwi fruit, shellfish - anaphylactic reactions

Peanut allergy now affects one in 70 children and is a common cause of anaphylaxis. Other foods and substances implicated in anaphylactic reactions include egg, milk, kiwi fruit, shellfish and tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts Brazils), as well as insect venom, latex and certain drugs.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign exists to offer help and information to patients, health professionals and the food industry. A further objective is to generate a rational public debate. Media reports frequently paint an alarming picture of risk. The truth is that risk to life can be minimised by means of careful management.

The Campaign provides a wide variety of information sheets, videos, DVDs and booklets. There are also two websites – a general one and one specifically for schools (see below).

The organisation has 8,000 members, most of these being the parents of children with severe or potentially severe food allergy. Anxiety levels are high in families where there is a serious allergy, particularly if the person affected is a child. However, patient concerns can be alleviated considerably if they are provided with high-quality information, understand the basic principles of careful management, and are committed to carrying prescribed medication at all times.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign is evidence-based and guided by leading figures in mainstream allergy.
 

Anaphylaxis Campaign
PO Box 275
Farnborough
Hampshire GU14 6SX.

Helpline: 01252 542029.
Administration: 01252 373793.
Email: info@anaphylaxis.org.uk
Websites: www.anaphylaxis.org.uk and www.allergyinschools.org.uk

 

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