Anaphylactic shock is the most dramatic and most dangerous of the allergic reactions.

It occurs when the allergic person comes into contact - even very slight contact - with their allergen. Their immune system mis-identifies the allergen as toxic or in some other way threatening and mobilises the full immune defensive reaction.

The body is flooded with histamine which causes immediate swelling in the areas affected - with a food allergy this is usually the mouth, throat and air passages. In asthmatics this is often accompanied by a severe asthma attack. The person may break out in hives and, most seriously, their blood pressure will probably plummet. This can be the most dangerous reaction as, if the drop in blood pressure is not arrested within 10-15 minutes by an injection of adrenaline (epinephrine in the US), the person may die.

An anaphylactic shock can be triggered by bee or wasp stings, prescription drugs (such as penicillin) and latex rubber (in medical gloves, balloons etc) as well as foods. Although any food can trigger an anaphylactic reaction, the majority of reactions are to peanuts (ground nuts, monkey nuts). Tree nuts, especially Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, dairy products and eggs are also relatively common triggers.

Those who are thought to be at risk of anaphylaxis will have been prescribed with injectable adrenaline (epinephrine) in the form of an Epipen or Anapen which they carry with them for use in an emergency.

Should anaphylaxis be suspected and there is no Epipen available, an ambulance should be called immediately and should be warned that anaphylaxis is suspected to ensure that adrenaline is available.

For more information on anaphylaxis contact the Anaphylaxis Campaign in the UK (www.anaphylaxis.org.uk) or the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network in the USA (www.foodallergy.org)

Also see articles in Dairy section.

Workshops

Parents of allergic children will be intersted to know that Action Against Allergy is planning an ongoing series of workshops for the parents of allergic children which will take place at St Thomas ' Hospital in central London. The workshops will be led by consultants, dietitians and nurses from the Children's Allergy Service at the Evelina Children's Hospital based at St Thomas.

The first three workshops are planned for the autumn of 2007 and will focus on eczema, asthma and food allergy. Click here for more information.

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