Latest NHS Digital Figures Show an Increase in Anaphylaxis Hospital Admissions in Children and Adults

Latest figures reveal that hospital admissions for anaphylactic shock for all causes has risen by around 70% in the past five years, from 2013-2014 to 2018-2019, for under 18’s, as shown in the graph below.

Hospital admissions for anaphylactic shock for adults has also increased from 3,092 to 3,751 in the same five-year period.

See the full figures on the NHS Digital website here and here.

Figures on the food allergy admissions, by government office region, for 2013-14 to 2018-19 were released in October. The full results can be viewed here.

There is no single cause for the rising prevalence of allergy that has taken place over the past few decades. There are numerous possible reasons for this and many are still under debate. Understanding the allergy epidemic is a work in progress, but here are some factors that have been considered influential:

• Heredity
• Eating habits
• Early exposure to allergens
• Modern medicines, e.g. antibiotics
• Vitamin D deficiency and other dietary factors

Chief Executive of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, Lynne Regent, said:

‘It is worrying for us to hear that the number of admissions to hospital for anaphylaxis has risen. These figures show the importance of continuing to raise awareness of severe allergies. Our aim is to create a safe environment for all people with allergies by working with and educating those in schools, universities, the food industry, health care professionals and other key audiences.’

We have a number of resources available to help enable those at risk manage their allergy successfully. These include;

• Our Making Schools Safer Project page contains resources and information that we have produced for schools to raise awareness of allergies with their staff and pupils.
• We also offer free online e-learning courses at www.allergywise.org.uk for schools, parents and carers, healthcare professionals and pharmacists.
• A number of Factsheets and Knowledgebase on a wealth of information about allergy and anaphylaxis which is evidence based and checked by clinical experts.
• As part of our Universities Campaign we have produced a booklet to help support allergic students with information on managing their allergies throughout university.
• Information on Eating Out, Travelling and more

If you would like further information and support, please call our national helpline on 01252 542029 or contact info@anaphylaxis.org.uk, open between 9am – 5pm Monday-Friday.