Anaphylaxis Campaign

Supporting people at risk of severe allergies

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Anaphylaxis Awareness Week 2019

6th – 12th May 2019  

Join us and hundreds of others across the country to show solidarity and support whilst raising awareness and funds for people affected by severe allergies!

To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we want our fundraising this year to be bigger and better than ever.

To help you we’ve designed posters with fundraising ideas to get you started

But if you have other ideas on the best way to raise awareness and funds for the Anaphylaxis Campaign during our Anaphylaxis Awareness Week or throughout the year, we are here to help.

  • Wear our infamous Orange wig
  • Buy one of our AC branded wristbands
  • Sign up for one of our national events
  • Get a team together and get involved in a local event
  • Host your own fundraising event – we have bunting, information materials and other products to help you make an impact

Email [email protected] for more information on how you can get involved!

 

Growing epidemic is a sting in the tail for wasp allergy sufferers

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Allergy sufferers are being urged to stay aware of the symptoms and signs of anaphylaxis as the UK moves into the height of wasp season.

The risk of getting stung by a wasp highest in September and the recent heatwave has intensified risk even further.

As the height of the wasp season approaches, a national campaign supported us is highlighting the dangers of anaphylaxis from wasp stings and the importance ofALK_Infographic_small_5 awareness, prevention and treatment options to beat the condition. The call from the charity comes in September, the month when wasps in the UK are most active and the most critical time to be vigilant against wasp sting allergies.

The prevalence of allergy in the UK has been increasing at an alarming rate over the last 20 years – so much so, that the number of hospitalisations caused by severe allergies have increased by seven fold in the last decade1.

Professor. Steve O’Hickey (Consultant with a special interest in Allergy) from Royal Worcester Hospital said: “The exact reason for this growing allergy epidemic across the UK is unclear, but it is likely attributable to three key factors: a general increase in incidence; an increase in the severity of these incidents; an increase in the complexity of these more severe and common incidents.

“Seasonal allergies, especially insect allergies, are becoming increasingly common and as the latter end of the summer approaches we do receive an increase in incidents of anaphylaxis as a result of wasp stings.

“Through the Bee Resistant campaign, we’re aiming to raise awareness by explaining the dangers and signs to look out for, as well as the treatments that are available within the NHS that can reduce the worry of sufferers and their families.”

To add to the woes of allergy sufferers, the recent heatwave is set to further increase the aggression and persistence of wasps – as it becomes uncomfortably hot for them inside their nests – meaning a higher chance of getting stung2. Hot weather also leads to improved breeding conditions for wasps and a higher prevalence of the insects they feed on, meaning they are more likely to thrive and be higher in numbers than would normally be the case.

Lynne Regent, CEO, Anaphylaxis Campaign said: “September is about enjoying the last of the warm weather but for those who have experienced a serious allergic reaction to a wasp sting in the past, it’s a time of increased anxiety as the chances of getting stung – potentially fatally – significantly increase.

“The Bee Resistant campaign is about raising awareness of anaphylaxis and educating the public on the dangers and symptoms to look out for, as well as the treatments that are available that can dramatically reduce the potentially life-threatening effects of getting stung.”

Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) states stings caused more than 70% of all deaths from anaphylaxis in the UK between 1992 and 20013.

1% of the UK population is at risk of a sting that can provoke an allergic reaction and a small minority of these people will go on to develop the potentially fatal allergic symptoms of anaphylaxis4.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include itching commonly affecting the palms, soles, groin area and scalp, general hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, faintness or dizziness and a feeling of fear or impending doom.

In case of an emergency5:

  • If an adrenaline device is available, use it without delay if you believe the reaction is severe, or becoming severe
  • Dial 999 and call an ambulance immediately – say that the person is suffering from anaphylaxis
  • Keep the patient as still as possible
  • If they recover quickly, it is still important to go to hospital for observation or visit their GP in case of delayed or repeated reactions

Local (i.e. at the site of the sting) allergic reactions do not require emergency treatment, cold compresses or pain killers can be used to quell the burning sensation caused by the sting. Keeping a swollen limb elevated can also help to ease the pain and antihistamines can be taken to help reduce swelling and itching. For people who suffer from a large local reaction, steroids can help to speed up the healing process. The earlier they are used the more effective they are. In the case of a larger reaction which may require steroids, always seek advice from a doctor or nurse first.

Sufferers who have experienced severe allergic reactions should be referred to an NHS allergy clinic for further assessment. In people with confirmed allergy, a longer term solution may be venom immunotherapy treatment (VIT) which can change the way a patient’s immune system reacts when stung and is effective in preventing anaphylaxis in the future.

VIT has to be administered in specialist clinics by medical professionals – there are about 60 NHS specialist allergy centres around the UK.

To find out more about the campaign visit www.beeresistant.com or follow us on Twitter @BeeResistant. If you are concerned about anaphylaxis, visit your GP or contact our helpline on 01252 542029.

Spare Pens in Schools Campaign

For two years the Anaphylaxis Campaign – together with Allergy UK, the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI), the British Paediatric Allergy Immunity and Infection Group (BPAIIG), and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) – campaigned for a change in the law to allow schools, pre-schools and nurseries to hold generic adrenaline auto-injectors, and ensure they have sufficient trained staff to operate the device in case of an emergency.

We are delighted that the Campaign has been successful. From 1st October 2017, the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 has allowed schools in the UK to buy adrenaline auto-injector devices (known as AAIs) without a prescription to use in an emergency on children who are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (known as anaphylaxis) but whose own device is not available or not working. This could be because their AAI(s) are broken, or out-of-date, for example.

Our helpline and information team have answered frequently asked questions we have received through our national helpline from school nurses and school staff about spare pens in schools and The Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017. Links to guidance for schools and our top tips and advice are here.

Purchasing Adrenalin Auto-Injector (AAI)Generic Pens for Schools

The DOH Guidance on the use of adrenaline auto-injectors in schools 2017 sets out that schools can purchase AAIs from a pharmaceutical supplier, such as a local pharmacy, without a prescription, provided the general advice relating to these transactions are observed: i.e. small quantities on an occasional basis and the school does not intend to profit from it. A supplier will need a request signed by the principal or head teacher (ideally on appropriate headed paper) stating:

  • the name of the school for which the product is required;
  • the purpose for which that product is required, and
  • the total quantity required.

A template letter which can be used for this purpose is provided in Appendix 1, and can also be downloaded at: www.sparepensinschools.uk

Please note that pharmacies are not required to provide AAIs free of charge to schools: the school must pay for them as a retail item. The retail price is circa £26 and your local pharmacy may add a small handling charge.

We are aware that some schools are being charged substantially more than this. Please do contact The Anaphylaxis Campaign Help Line if you have concerns regarding the cost of Adrenalin Auto Injectors.  Telephone 01252 542029

Our FREE online anaphylaxis training course AllergyWise for Schools is designed to ensure that key staff in schools are fully aware of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, how to provide emergency treatment and the implications for management of severely allergic children from Key Stages 1 to 5 in an education setting. Find out more and register here.

 

European Medicines Agency (EMA) Review of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors

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On 25 June 2015, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended several measures, including the introduction of more effective educational material, to ensure that patients and carers use adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) successfully.

Adrenaline auto-injectors are potentially life-saving treatments for anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions) while the patient waits for emergency medical assistance.  In the UK the following brands are available – Emerade, Jext and EpiPen.

The EMA carried out a review of adrenaline auto-injectors following concerns that currently available devices may deliver adrenaline under the skin instead of into a muscle, and this may delay response to treatment.

Having assessed all the available data, EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) acknowledged that giving the medicine by injection into the muscle is the preferred way to obtain a rapid response in anaphylaxis. However, the CHMP noted that several factors may affect whether adrenaline is actually delivered into a muscle; these include needle length, the thickness of fat under the skin, the way the auto-injector works (e.g. if it is spring loaded or not), the angle at which the device is placed on the skin and the force used to activate the device as well as how well the user follows the instructions for injection.

The CHMP also concluded that further data should be generated to better understand how adrenaline penetrates body tissues when given with each of the different auto-injectors.  This means there will be further clinical trials to try to establish his.

The CHMP recommendation was sent to the European Commission which endorsed it and issued a legally binding decision that is valid throughout the EU.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign has followed this through with the MHRA, and we will continue to keep you updated on this review.

Key points for people prescribed AAIs

  • Adrenaline auto-injectors are used to treat severe allergic reactions, while the patient awaits emergency medical assistance. They are designed so that they can be easily used by the patient themselves or a carer
  • The review of adrenaline auto-injectors showed that patients could benefit from further training to use the auto-injector successfully.
  • You will receive training from your doctor or nurse on how to use your adrenaline auto-injector. Training devices are available so that you can practise with it before you need the auto-injector in an emergency. A training video will be produced to show you in detail how to use the injector properly. Please be aware that we also produce training called AllergyWise which contains comprehensive information on the correct use of AAIs in an emergency – this is available for free for our members.  Find out more here.
  • It is important that you use the auto-injector correctly so that the adrenaline is delivered into your muscle and works as quickly as possible.
  • If you have been prescribed an adrenaline auto?injector because you are at risk of severe allergic reactions, you should ensure you are familiar with it and carry it with you at all times.
  • It is likely that your doctor will recommend that you carry two injectors, in case a second dose is needed while you wait for emergency assistance. The Anaphylaxis Campaign actively campaigns that two devices are prescribed and carried at all times by patients.
  • Your family members, carers or teachers should also be instructed in the correct use of your auto-injectors.
  • If you have any question or concern, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Or contact our helpline team – 01252 542029, email [email protected].

Brexit and the EU Food regulations – what next?

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Following Britain’s exit from the EU, concerns have been raised as to whether the European Food Information for Consumers regulation (FIC), that became enforceable from December 2014, will still apply. We contacted the Food Standards Agency and received the following response from a spokesperson:

“The FSA’s priority is to ensure that food is safe; and consumers can make informed and safe food choices. Although the British public have voted to leave the EU, all existing legal requirements remain in force. The UK remains a member of the EU until it has negotiated its exit and will continue to comply with EU food and feed legislation during this time. All UK businesses will need to continue to comply with all EU legislation, including the allergen regulations.”

June 2016

The Anaphylaxis Campaign supports the six year prison sentencing reached today on the Mohammed Zaman curry house case.

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A “reckless” restaurant owner has been jailed for six years for the manslaughter of a customer who had an allergic reaction to a curry.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36360111

Lynne Regent, CEO, the Anaphylaxis Campaign said; “This appalling case highlights the challenges faced by food allergic customers. We feel this verdict gives a strong demonstration that the law will no longer tolerate businesses giving inaccurate or incomplete allergen information, which as this case proved, can be fatal for people who have a severe allergy. Our advice to people who have a severe allergy remains to take particular care when eating Indian, Chinese or Thai food, including takeaways.”

Learn more about the EU Food Information Regulations here.

We will be discussing this case at our next Corporate Conference 19th September, London .

If anyone has questions or concerns they can contact our helpline 01252 542029, email [email protected].

 

 

The major allergens

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Under European law, the following 14 allergens must be declared on the labels of pre-packed food whenever they appear. Also, catering businesses must have systems in place for providing information on these 14 allergens to customers.

  1. Cereals containing gluten, namely: wheat (such as spelt and khorasan wheat), rye, barley, oats or their hybridised strains, and products thereof
  2. Crustaceans and products thereof
  3.  Eggs and products thereof
  4. Fish and products thereof
  5. Peanuts and products thereof
  6. Soybeans and products thereof
  7. Milk and products thereof (including lactose)
  8. Nuts, namely: almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecan nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachio nuts, macadamia or Queensland nuts and products thereof
  9. Celery and products thereof
  10. Mustard and products thereof
  11. Sesame seeds and products thereof
  12. Sulphur dioxide and sulphites at concentrations of more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre in terms of the total SO2 which are to be calculated for products as proposed ready for consumption or as reconstituted according to the instructions of the manufacturers
  13. Lupin and products thereof
  14. Molluscs and products thereof

AllergyWise for Parents and Carers of Children with severe allergies

This free online e-learning course is designed for parents and carers of severely allergic children. This course aims to improve and update knowledge about the everyday management of severe allergies.

Topics include:

  • What happens in an anaphylactic reaction
  • Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
  • How and when to use adrenaline injectors, and how to care for these devices
  • Crisis management
  • The long-term management, such as avoidance of allergens
  • What you need to know to lessen the risk of a severe allergic reaction
  • Food labelling regulations in the UK and Europe
  • The role of parents and carers in enabling schools to support children who have severe allergies

Individuals can work through this course at their own pace, it will take around 1 hour to complete.  Upon successful competition of this AllergyWise course (75% pass rate) you can buy a Certificate for £5 plus VAT for proof. There is a link at the end of the course.

To register for this courses, go to our AllergyWise website.

Key facts

  • Costs: Free, optional certificate for £5 plus VAT
  • Type of course: Online e-learning
  • Time to complete: Approximately 45 minutes
  • Designed for: Parents and carers of children (ages 4-16) with severe allergies

Please read our AllergyWise Terms and Conditions

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Our Posters

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Click on a image of a poster to download it as a PDF to your computer. We’d love you to print off some of these posters to distribute.

We are always looking for volunteers to put up our posters in their local areas — libraries, GP surgeries, schools etc. If you can help us please send an email to [email protected] and she will send you some posters. ‘What to do in an emergency’ is not available as a physical copy.