Why allergy awareness matters in healthcare

Allergies can impact almost every aspect of daily life — from school and travel to attending a hospital appointment. That is why Anaphylaxis UK advocates for a safer, allergy-aware approach across all environments.

In healthcare settings, it may be assumed that professionals have sufficient allergy knowledge. However, a 2024 survey by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) of over 1,100 newly qualified UK doctors revealed significant gaps in training and confidence. 66% reported receiving no allergy training during their Foundation Programme and just 37% felt confident teaching a patient how to use an adrenaline auto-injector. 87% encounter patients with one or more drug allergy labels at least weekly and 98% agreed that improving anaphylaxis knowledge is valuable, regardless of specialty.

Allergy awareness may often be seen as an optional additional skill but in fact, it is a critical component of safe, patient-centred care. Allergens can be encountered in many aspects of healthcare delivery — from prescribed medications and hospital meals to medical products and cleaning materials.

If you have not recently reflected on whether your allergy knowledge is sufficient — or if you feel unsure about recognising and responding to an allergic reaction — this overview explains why allergy awareness matters in your role and how you can strengthen your expertise.

The growing burden of allergies

Around one third of the UK population — over 20 million people — are living with an allergic condition. To put this into perspective, in primary care settings more than 1 in 3 patients may have an allergic condition.

Hospital admissions for allergies and anaphylaxis in England have more than doubled in the past 20 years. Admissions for food anaphylaxis increased threefold between 1998 and 2018 but although admissions have risen significantly, death rates remain very low — highlighting that prompt recognition and appropriate treatment save lives.

How allergies present in healthcare settings

Allergies can present themselves in various, sometimes unexpected ways in healthcare settings. In hospital settings, patients may be admitted due to an acute allergic reaction. However, many others are admitted for unrelated conditions while living with chronic allergic disease. For inpatients, risks can arise from hospital meals and potential cross-contamination, prescribed medications, latex-containing products, and cleaning and clinical products.

This makes allergy awareness essential not only for clinical staff but also for ward teams, catering services, and support staff.

In dentistry, aesthetics, and community healthcare settings, potential triggers may include local anaesthetics, antibiotics, latex and skin preparation products.

Drug allergy in adults is particularly concerning due to the risk of mislabelling, inappropriate prescribing, or failure to recognise genuine hypersensitivity.

Taking an accurate allergy history, documenting clearly, and practising safe procedures are fundamental responsibilities is paramount. Equally important is demonstrating empathy and reassurance, particularly for patients who may already feel anxious about attending medical appointments.

Anaphylaxis — the most serious allergic reaction — typically develops rapidly and can be life-threatening within minutes. When more healthcare professionals understand how to avoid allergens, recognise early symptoms, and know how to respond appropriately in an emergency, patientcare becomes safer for patients and colleagues alike.

Introducing the AllergyWise for Healthcare Professionals Course

AllergyWise® is the UK’s most comprehensive allergy training programme for healthcare professionals, trusted by nurses, health visitors and those working in community settings. Written by leading experts in medicine and education, the CPD-certified course is fully updated to reflect current guidance from the Resuscitation Council UK and the Department of Health.

This course ensures you know exactly what to do in an emergency.  You will master:

• How to recognise and respond to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
• When and how to use adrenaline devices EpiPen®, Jext® and EURneffy®.
• Practical, everyday strategies to keep patients with allergies safe.
• Key professional and legal responsibilities under current UK legislation.

Whether you work in hospital care, primary care, dentistry, community services, or education, strengthening your allergy knowledge improves patient safety and professional confidence.

👉 Explore the course now and secure your place:
https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/allergywise/allergywise-for-healthcare-professionals-information/