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.

How to Keep Your Kitchen Allergen-Safe This Christmas  12th December 2024

The holidays are a time to enjoy with family and friends, but for those with allergies, they can also bring added challenges. Whether your guests have food allergies, asthma, or other sensitivities, it’s essential to prepare your home to minimise
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Addressing the Allergy Education Gap in UK Medical Training  11th December 2024

A recent report led by the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI), Shaping Allergy Training in the UK Foundation Programme: a national survey, highlights the urgent need to integrate allergy education into the early stages of medical training.
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Double at Christmas: Challenge Complete! 10th December 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Anaphylaxis UK raised £15,855 in the UK’s biggest collaborative fundraising campaign – Big Give’s Christmas Challenge 2024.
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Allergy Alerts

Barley (Gluten) Alert – The Island Smokery Smoked Orkney Cheddar with Ploughman’s Pickle 3rd December 2024

Product Name: Smoked Orkney Cheddar with Ploughman’s Pickle Pack Size: 150g Best Before: All date codes up to and including 09 April 2025   We have been alerted by The Island Smokery that it is recalling its Smoked Orkney Cheddar
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Waitrose Chinese Takeaway bag for 2 29th November 2024

We have been advised by Waitrose of an undeclared allergen- Mollusc- in the Waitrose Chinese Takeaway bag for 2
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Cashew Nut Alert – P&B (Foods) Ltd: Heera Navratan Korma 27th November 2024

Product Name: Heera Navratan Korma  Pack Size: 450g  Best Before: 30.6.26  Batch Number: 2402292    We have been alerted by P&B (Foods) Limited that it is recalling its by Heera Navratan Korma from sale because it contains cashew nuts which
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