How common is anaphylaxis in Australia?

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) is the peak professional body for allergy and clinical immunology in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA stated that one in five (20 per cent) Australians are affected by allergies and anaphylaxis.

What is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in Australia?

Overall, the most common causes of anaphylaxis are medication, food and insect venom. Medications are a common cause of anaphylaxis in older adults, particularly antibiotics, NSAIDs, anaesthetic drugs and opiates.

How soon after eating does anaphylaxis occur?

Symptoms usually appear within minutes to a few hours after eating a food, swallowing medication or being stung by an insect. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical treatment, including an injection of epinephrine and a trip to a hospital emergency room. If it isn’t treated properly, anaphylaxis can be fatal.

What are the 3 most common substances that cause anaphylaxis in Australia?

The most common causes of anaphylaxis are medications, food and insect venom. Medications are the most common cause of anaphylaxis in older adults, particularly antibiotics, anaesthetic drugs, NSAIDs and opiates.

What are the 3 most common allergens in Australia?

Food allergy occurs in around 10% of infants, 4-8% of children, and about 2% of adults in Australia and New Zealand. The most common food allergens are cow’s milk (dairy), egg, peanut, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, shellfish and wheat.

Can you have a mild anaphylactic reaction?

Anaphylaxis is defined by a number of signs and symptoms, alone or in combination, which occur within minutes, or up to a few hours, after exposure to a provoking agent. It can be mild, moderate to severe, or severe. Most cases are mild but any anaphylaxis has the potential to become life-threatening.

What does your throat feel like during anaphylaxis?

Swollen or itchy throat, hoarse voice, trouble swallowing, tightness in your throat.

How to manage anaphylaxis?

Managing anaphylaxis 1 Call for help, including an ambulance. Do not leave the person. 2 Lie the person on their back, or let them sit up if lying down restricts their breathing. 3 Give 1:1000 adrenaline by intramuscular injection into the anterolateral thigh. 4 Give oxygen by face mask at a high flow rate, if available.

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is very serious and can be fatal. If you think someone is having an allergic reaction, call triple zero (000). Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include: difficult or noisy breathing difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice a swollen tongue persistent dizziness or collapse swelling or tightness in the throat pale and floppy (young children)

How much adrenaline do you give for anaphylaxis?

3. Give 1:1000 adrenaline by intramuscular injection into the anterolateral thigh. Dose according to the person’s weight. 4. Give oxygen by face mask at a high flow rate, if available. 5. If their condition has not improved after 5 minutes, give another dose of 1:1000 adrenaline.

What increases my risk of anaphylaxis?

If you are at risk of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and have asthma that is not well controlled, you are at increased risk of fatal anaphylaxis.