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.

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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.

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Training & Education

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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.

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Latest News from Anaphylaxis UK

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

Rising Trends in Food Allergies: A 20-Year Study from England 2nd September 2024

Food allergies are becoming more common according to a new study led by Dr Paul Turner from Imperial College London, highlighting the growing number of cases in England over the past 20 years. The study, published in The Lancet Public
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Call for participants: healthcare agency looking for adults who have recently used AAIs 29th August 2024

Aderico Medical are looking for adults with reduced hand dexterity who have had to use an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) in the last 3 months, to participate in their clients research study. Please see the details and invitation below: Are you
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UK National Allergy Strategy – Share Your Voice survey 28th August 2024

We are very pleased to be working with the BSACI, and with other allergy charities to support the development of a UK National Allergy Strategy. The aim is to provide a 10-year vision for 2025-2035 that will outline the key
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Allergy Alerts

Peanut Alert – ALDI Soupreme Creamy Chicken Soup & Specially Selected Pea & Ham Hock Soup 2nd September 2024

Product Name: Soupreme Creamy Chicken Soup Specially Selected Pea and Ham Hock Soup  Pack Size: 600g Best Before: Soupreme Creamy Chicken Soup: 01/10/2024 Specially Selected Pea and Ham Hock Soup: 28/09/2024  Batch Number: Soupreme Creamy Chicken Soup: 4061462599842 Specially Selected
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Peanut Alert – Prestat Various Chocolate Products 30th August 2024

Product Name: Prestat Chocolate (various chocolate products) The London Collection Box (200g) Batch code: 148148, 139139 Best before: 29 January 2025 The Jewel Box (120g & 210g) Batch code: 179179 Best before: 16 January 2025 The Jewel Box (325g) Batch
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Peanut Alert – Whatever Brands Various Oreo Products 27th August 2024

Product Name: Whatever Brands. Various Oreo Products Oreo Dark & White Chocolate Pack size: 119.6g Best before: 14/03/2025, 15/03/2025, 20/03/2025, 23/03/2025 Oreo Strawberry Cream Pack size: 119.6g Best before: 15/03/2025 Oreo Blueberry Ice Cream Pack size: 119.6g Best before: 01/11/
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