Are you allergy aware?

Anaphylaxis is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening condition, caused by a massive over-reaction of the body's immune system. This reaction can result in respiratory and/or circulatory collapse.

The most common reactions are to insect stings, food products, drugs and latex. The immune system is part of the body's natural defence system against harmful substances such as bacteria. Lymphocytes (white blood cells) recognise these ‘foreign’ proteins and release natural chemicals, one of which is histamine. In order to experience an anaphylactic reaction the individual will have had a previous exposure to a particular allergen and become sensitised to it. If they then suffer a repeat exposure there will be a massive release of histamine.