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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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

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Latest News from Anaphylaxis UK

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

Managing house dust mite allergy: treatment option now available on the NHS  12th February 2025

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has released its final draft guidance, recommending Acarizax for NHS use in the management of house dust mite allergy. Developed by ALK-Abello, Acarizax is the first therapy specifically designed to treat
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Needle-free nasal adrenaline treatment under review for approval in Canada and the UK 7th February 2025

ARS Pharmaceuticals has made significant progress in expanding access to neffy®, its needle-free adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray. After gaining approval in the U.S. and Europe for treating severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, ARS Pharmaceuticals has now filed for approval in
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Peanut allergy patch shows promising long-term results in 3-year study 5th February 2025

A recent announcement from DBV Technologies revealed promising long-term results from its EPITOPE Study. Results from a 3-year study showed that the VIASKIN® Peanut patch can help children with peanut allergies become less sensitive to peanuts, reducing the risk of
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Allergy Alerts

Soya, Sulphites & Wheat (gluten) Alert- McGees Steak Burgers 12th February 2025

Product Name: McGees Steak Burgers Pack Size: 420g Use by: 14th February 2025 and 16th February 2025 Batch code:  040225 and 060225 We have been alerted by McGees that it is recalling its McGees Steak Burgers from sale because they
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Milk Alert- Goodfella’s Stonebaked Thin Garlic Bread 6th February 2025

Product Name: Goodfella’s Stonebaked Thin Garlic Bread Pack size: 218g Best Before: December 2025 Batch code: 5020   We have been alerted by Birds Eye Ltd. that it is recalling its Goodfella’s Stonebaked Thin Garlic Bread from sale because it
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Sulphites Alert- Greggs 2 pack Steak Bake 21st January 2025

Product Name: Greggs 2 pack Steak Bake Pack Size: 280g Best Before: 19th May 2025   We have been alerted by Greggs that it is recalling its Greggs 2 pack Steak Bake from sale because it may contain sulphites which
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