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.

title_img

Training & Education

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.

Enhancing Allergen Management: Key Highlights from Anaphylaxis UK’s June 2024 Business Forum 18th July 2024

The Anaphylaxis UK Business Forum continues to be a crucial platform for businesses across sectors to collaborate on enhancing allergen management practices. June’s Business Forum featured updates from global leaders in food science, food safety, and allergy science, focusing on
[…]

Read more
Get involved in research: are you a parent or carer of a child with asthma or allergies? 16th July 2024

Researchers from the University of Surrey are looking for parents/carers of children who have experienced anaphylaxis or a serious asthma attack to take part in a study. Please see the invitation below: Are you a parent or carer of a
[…]

Read more
Call for participants: do you have a food allergy, intolerance or hypersensitivity and eat out? 16th July 2024

A new research study conducted in association with the University of Trento, Italy, is seeking individuals with food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities to participate. This study aims to understand the challenges that these individuals face while dining out. The research
[…]

Read more

Allergy Alerts

Sesame Alert – DAISHO Hakata Ramen Noodle Tonkotsu 8th July 2024

Product Name: DAISHO Hakata Ramen Noodle Tonkotsu Pack Size: 188g Best Before: Any packet with best before date from July 2022 – December 2024 We have been alerted by Japan Food Express Ltd that it is recalling its DAISHO Hakata
[…]

Read more
Hazelnut (nut), Oat & Wheat (gluten) Alert – M&S Chocolate Cornflake Mini Bites 8th July 2024

Product Name: Chocolate Cornflake Mini Bites Pack Size: 180g Best Before: 06/08/2024 Batch Number: 00347884   We have been alerted by Marks & Spencer that it is recalling its Chocolate Cornflake Mini Bites from sale due to the undeclared presence
[…]

Read more
Milk Alert – ASDA Extra Special Sea Salt & Chardonnay Wine Vinegar Hand Cooked Crisps 5th July 2024

Product Name: ASDA Extra Special Sea Salt & Chardonnay Wine Vinegar Hand Cooked Crisps Pack Size: 150g Best Before: 21/09/24 Batch Number: 5057172821273 We have been alerted by Asda that it is recalling its ASDA Extra Special Sea Salt &
[…]

Read more