Allergy Awareness

What is an allergy?

An allergy is something (such as a food, drug or environmental factor) your body mistakes to be a threat and as a response will release a chemical within the body called histamine.

The histamine is what causes an allergic reaction, which can range from mild to severe.

The most severe reaction is called anaphylaxis (ana-fill-axis) which is life-threatening and must be treated immediately.

What is an EpiPen?

An EpiPen is a brand of AAI - adrenaline auto-injector. There are 3 main brands in the UK: Emerade, Jext or EpiPen.

If someone you know has allergies, they may be prescribed either of these and they all work similarly but with some slight differences. Therefore it’s important you check how to use the relevant brand.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and how to treat it.

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Support

If you or someone you know would like further allergy support, the following pages offer resources and products to help you in your journey.

Anaphylaxis UK - https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/

Allergies in Bold - allergiesinbold.com

Allergy UK - https://www.allergyuk.org/

Sadie Bristow Foundation - https://www.sadiebristowfoundation.org.uk/