**Allergies and Anaphylaxis (7760) – reviewed Nov 2025 and latex added
An allergy is an adverse reaction that the body has to a particular food or substance in the environment.
They are very common and are thought to affect more than one in four people in the UK at some point in their lives.
Some of the most common allergens include:
- Grass and tree pollen (hay fever)
- Dust mites
- Animal dander (tiny flakes of skin or hair)
- Food allergy (particularly fruits, seafood and nuts)
- Medicines (including antibiotics such as penicillin)
- Materials such as latex
Symptoms of a mild allergy can include:
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Itchy eyes
- Skin rashes
- Swelling
Anaphylaxis (or anaphylactic shock) is a severe allergic reaction
The reaction can be very fast, happening within seconds or minutes of contact with the thing a person is allergic to.
When anaphylaxis occurs, a chemical called histamine is over-produced, causing one or more life-threatening Airway, Breathing, or Circulation problems.
Treatment for a mild allergic reaction
- If possible, remove the allergen from the person or remove the person from the environment causing the allergic reaction
- Help the person to take their allergy medication, if they have it with them (including antihistamines, decongestants and steroid medication)