With 1 in 10 children under the age of 5 years now developing a food allergy health professionals are more likely than ever to treat individuals with food allergies and some who are at real risk of anaphylaxis in your practice. Whilst many children outgrow their allergies, a growing number of peanut and tree nut allergic children have now reached teen years and indeed adulthood. The only way to avoid a food allergic reaction is to avoid the food, even the smallest amount can trigger a potentially life threatening anaphylaxis. Food allergy needs to be managed effectively in children and adults. Education is the key to good management and health professional have a very important role to play.

Access a free online course specifically on allergy and anaphylaxis for health professionals. The course, developed by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy was launched in March 2011.
ASCIA e training for health professionals

At the time of initial diagnosis, many families feel isolated, anxious and overwhelmed by this life altering experience. The data shows that teenagers, in particular, are at highest risk for fatal or near fatal anaphylactic reactions. During 2002 -2004 there were three teenage deaths due to anaphylaxis in NSW alone.

While there have been few studies conducted to help understand the extent of the psycho-social impact of  a potentially life threatening food allergy, it’s clear that these individuals and their families need ongoing support, management and emergency strategies to help them lead as normal a life as possible. Gaining more information helps individuals and those who care for them, develop important management strategies to assist with day to day living. It is sometimes difficult to understand what is meant by a balanced approach to life with a food allergy. Our organisation is here to help you understand what that means. We give people the hope, encouragement and useful resources to set them on a manageable path.

With more than 17 years experience as the only national support organisation in Australia, Anaphylaxis Australia provides enormous comfort and support to allergy sufferers, both in the early days after diagnosis and through various life stages.  We continue our learning and share information with all who need to understand more about this growing phenomenon of food allergy and anaphylaxis. We encourage you to refer patients to us or to join as a health professional member to gain access to reliable, science-based, credible information about food allergies and anaphylaxis. Click here to become a member