What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis (pronounced ana-fil-ax-is) is a serious and often sudden allergic reaction. It can occur when someone with allergies is exposed to something they are allergic to (known as an allergen). Reactions usually begin within minutes and rapidly progress but can occur up to 2-3 hours later.

Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening and always requires an immediate emergency response.

If you have experienced a sudden allergic reaction in the past, then you may be at risk of anaphylaxis even if you have not had anaphylaxis before. We advise that you see your GP and ask for a referral to an allergy clinic.

A diagnosis of anaphylaxis can be daunting at first, but by becoming well-informed, thinking ahead and employing daily coping strategies, people affected find that life can return, almost, to normal.

Supporting People With Serious Allergies

Here are some of the ways we support people to manage day-to-day life with a serious allergy.

about_img
title_img

About Anaphylaxis UK

Anaphylaxis UK is the only UK-wide charity operating solely for the growing numbers of people at risk of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. While there’s no treatment or cure for anaphylaxis, we believe that by providing information, training and support, there is a brighter future for people living with serious allergies.

Our mission is to create a safer environment for everyone with allergies by working with and offering training for the food industry, schools, pre-schools, colleges, health professionals and others.

Stay in the know with our free monthly newsletter

Sign up

Is Your School AllergyWise®?

We offer training for teachers and all school staff. We encourage a whole school allergy awareness approach – the more staff who understand allergy and how to recognise an allergic reaction, the more likely your school will be able to safely manage pupils with allergies.

Check with your school and ask if they have done our training.

Ways You Can Help

There are many ways that you can get involved with the vital work we do! Your support has a huge impact on the lives of people with serious allergies.

Your time is as valuable as your donations, so explore the button below to discover all the ways you can help us further our mission of securing a brighter future for people at risk of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis UK's Convenient Clothes Collection

If you have a busy schedule or a large quantity of clothes to donate, Anaphylaxis UK offers a FREE pickup service.

Have your donated items collected from either your home, workplace, school or university saving you time and effort!

Living with Serious Allergies

Guidance for Parents

If you’re a parent, explore our guide all about teaching children how to live with food allergies and educating them about anaphylaxis.

Managing Allergies at University

As you leave for university, it might be the first time you’ve had to manage your allergies on your own. Make the transition a bit easier with Anaphylaxis UK.

Shopping & Preparing Food

If you or a member of your household has a food allergy, there are precautions you can take while shopping or preparing food at home to ensure food safety.

Travelling

Allergies can be stressful, especially when you’re in a busy airport or in new and unfamiliar surroundings. Follow our top tips and be as prepared as possible to stay safe and confident while travelling.

Allergy Outlook is our monthly newsletter

Sign up for free

Latest News from Anaphylaxis UK

All of our latest news posts. Click through to read more.

Anaphylaxis UK secures Innovate UK grant to develop support for allergy-related anxiety 28th February 2025

We are delighted to announce that Anaphylaxis UK has been successful in its application to Innovate UK for funding to set up a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Surrey to offer support that addresses the psychological impact of living with serious allergies.
[…]

Read more
Anaphylaxis UK at the Allergy & Free From Show  27th February 2025

We’re excited to announce that Anaphylaxis UK will be returning to the Allergy & Free From Show on 21-22 June at Olympia London.  
[…]

Read more
Anaphylaxis UK partners with the Royal Life Saving Society UK  20th February 2025

We are proud to announce our new partnership with Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). 
[…]

Read more

Allergy Alerts

Mustard alert – Baxter’s Sliced Gherkins Crunchy and Sweet 3rd March 2025

Product name: Baxter’s Sliced Gherkins Crunchy & Sweet Pack size: 540g Best before: 06/2026, Batch code: 2400059 Best before: 06/2026, Batch code: 2400060 Best before: 06/2026, Batch code: 2400061 Best before: 06/2026, Batch code: 2400062 Best before: 07/2026, Batch code:
[…]

Read more
Milk, soya & wheat (gluten) alert – Orion Turtle Chips Sweetcorn Flavour 27th February 2025

Product name: Orion Turtle Chips Sweetcorn Flavour Pack size: 80g Best before: 10th April 2025 & 24th April 2025 We have been alerted by Unisnacks Europe Ltd that it is recalling its Orion Turtle Chips Sweetcorn flavour from sale because
[…]

Read more
Hazelnut alert – Cheshire Farm Biscoff Ice Cream 25th February 2025

Product name: Cheshire Farm Biscoff Ice Cream Pack size: 1L Best before: 18/03/2025, Batch code: L23261 Best before: 19/11/2024, Batch code: L23139 We have been alerted by Cheshire Farm that it is recalling its Biscoff Ice Cream from sale because
[…]

Read more