Living with anaphylaxis

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis (pronounced anna - fill - axis) is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to a trigger. Anaphylaxis affects more than one body system such as the airways, heart, circulation, gut and skin. Symptoms can start within seconds or minutes of exposure to the food or substance you are allergic to and usually will progress rapidly. On rare occasions, the reaction may occur hours after exposure to the trigger.

*Common causes...

The common causes of anaphylaxis include foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, fish, sesame seeds and kiwi fruit, although many other foods have been known to trigger anaphylaxis. Non-food causes include wasp or bee stings, natural latex (rubber), and certain drugs such as penicillin. In some people exercise can trigger a severe reaction - either on its own or in combination with other factors such as food or drugs (e.g. aspirin).

FOOD
  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Shellfish
  • Cow's milk
  • Soy
  • Eggs
  • Wheat

INSECT BITES OR STINGS
  • Bee
  • Wasp
  • Ants

MEDICATION
  • Antibiotics
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin
  • Penicillin

LATEX
  • Rubber gloves
  • Balloons
  • Condoms
  • Bottle nipples

EXERCISE

Excercise on it's own
Excercise in combination with other factors

*Travelling Abroad?

You may need a travel certificate!
Remember to fill it in and ask your doctor to sign it in plenty of time before you go.

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