What are allergies? What is anaphylaxis?
Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system produces antibodies against substances in the environment (allergens) that are usually harmless. Once allergy has developed, exposure to the particular allergen can result in symptoms that vary from mild to life threatening (anaphylaxis).
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening. Although there has been an increase in the number of children diagnosed as at risk of anaphylaxis, deaths are still rare. However, deaths have occurred and anaphylaxis must therefore be regarded as a medical emergency.
More information:
» What are the main causes?
» Signs and symptoms
» Why is it important to know about anaphylaxis?
» How can anaphylaxis be treated or prevented?
» Anaphylaxis at school or child care service
Print:
» Anaphylaxis factsheet (PDF 296KB)