ASCIA's purpose is to advance the science and practice of allergy and clinical immunology.

This is achieved by promoting the highest standard of medical practice, training, education and research, to improve the quality of life and health of people with immune system disorders, including allergies, immunodeficiencies and other immune diseases.

ASCIA works towards achieving its purpose by undertaking initiatives that are prioritised to maximise services and benefits to ASCIA members, whilst advocating for patients and carers. ASCIA priorities for 2024-2025 are listed below.

ASCIA MEMBER SERVICES

• Advocacy on behalf of ASCIA members – ASCIA makes regular submissions to government and other organisations through letters, submissions and reports. 
• ASCIA online communications – Each month ASCIA informs members of new and updated allergy and immunology information, mainly via ASCIA e-newsletters and direct emails.
• Advertising of positions - This includes public hospital and private practice allergy/immunology consultant and other health professional positions.
• Listing on the ASCIA website ‘How to Locate a Specialist’ section – Full ASCIA members are eligible for one or more listings on the ASCIA website.
• AIFA research grants – Only ASCIA members are eligible to apply for Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australasia (AIFA) research grants.
• ASCIA immunodeficiency online resources, education and training - ASCIA members have access to new and updated immunodeficiency information, resources and collaborations, including TAPID, the ASCIA Immunodeficiency Strategy and information for patients, carers and the community.
• ASCIA anaphylaxis/allergy online resources, education and training - To support ASCIA members, new and updated ASCIA online information about anaphylaxis and allergy is regularly developed and updated. These include ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis,  ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training courses and information for patients, carers and the community. 
• Access to ASCIA member only resources - These include ASCIA teaching slides and protocols for food or drug (medication) allergen challenges.
• Sustainability - ASCIA has been operating for more than 30 years, to provide services to ASCIA members and the community, whilst ensuring that ASCIA’s operations are financially viable and environmentally sustainable into the future.

ASCIA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• ASCIA Annual Conference – This is the main event for allergy and immunology continuing professional development (CPD) in Australia and New Zealand, which also enables important interactions with colleagues. ASCIA members receive discounted registration fees.
• ASCIA committees and working parties - These play a vital role within ASCIA. Membership is restricted to ASCIA members and participation is on a voluntary basis. Chairs of ASCIA committees are represented on ASCIA Council.
• ASCIA educational dinner meetings – Only ASCIA members are eligible to attend ASCIA educational dinner meetings, which contribute to CPD and enable interactions with colleagues.
• ASCIA online meetings - ASCIA Associate members (Advanced Trainees, Nurses and Dietitians) and TAPID members regularly meet by videoconference, which is facilitated by ASCIA and contributes to CPD. 
• ASCIA advanced training meetings – Only ASCIA Associate (Trainee) members are eligible to attend ASCIA advanced training meetings, which are usually held each year.

The Medical Board of Australia and the Medical Council of New Zealand have strengthened recertification requirements for medical practitioners, who will each need a CPD Home from January 2023:

• RACP Fellows can access Information about the RACP MyCPD program here. 
• RACGP Fellows can access information about  the RACGP CPD program here.
• Rural and remote medical practitioners can access information from ACCRM here.  

ASCIA COLLABORATIONS

• National Allergy Council – This partnership between ASCIA and Allergy & Anaphylaxis implements the National Allergy Strategy by advocating and developing resources that include Nip allergies in the Bub and Allergy 250K.
• ASCIA Immunodeficiency Strategy – This collaboration between ASCIA, patient support organisations and other stakeholders aims to improve the health and well-being of people with immunodeficiencies. Implementation of the Strategy commenced in 2022, with an initial focus on newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
• Collaborations with research groups – ASCIA collaborates with research groups such as the Centre for Food & Allergy Research (CFAR), the National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE) and the Clinical Immunogenomics Research Consortium Australasia (CIRCA). 
• Collaborations with patient/carer support groups - Each year ASCIA invites up to ten patient/carer support groups to exhibit at the ASCIA Annual Conference. 
• Communications with other professional organisations. 

ASCIA Priorities 2024-2028742.37 KB

Webpage updated December 2024 

Allergy occurs when a person reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless to most people. These substances are known as allergens, and are most commonly found in dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, ticks, moulds, foods, latex and some drugs (medications).

Anaphylaxis is the most severe type of allergic reaction and should always be treated as a medical emergency. Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine), If treatment with adrenaline is delayed, this can result in fatal anaphylaxis.

ASCIA Anaphylaxis Online Training

ASCIA Anaphylaxis e-training for schools, children's education/care and community

ASCIA Anaphylaxis training refresher video

Fast Facts

Fast Facts about Anaphylaxis

Fast Facts about Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Devices

Action Plans

ASCIA Action Plans  

ASCIA Action Plans FAQ 

Click on the links below for more information (A-Z)

Adrenaline (Epinephrine) for Anaphylaxis Treatment

Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Devices 

Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Devices for General Use 

Allergic Reactions - Signs and Symptoms 

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis Translations

Anaphylaxis Facts for Parents and Carers 

Common Myths about Allergy and Asthma Exposed

Glossary of Allergy Terms

Idiopathic Anaphylaxis 

What is Allergy?

What is Causing your Allergy?

Checklists

Anaphylaxis Checklist - Patients and Carers 

Anaphylaxis Checklist - Young Adults (Transitioning from Paediatric to Adult Medical Care)

Anaphylaxis Checklist - Travel (People at Risk of Anaphylaxis) 

Forms

Allergic Reactions Clinical History Form

Allergic Reactions Event Record Form

Scan the QR code to view this webpage on a mobile phone

How Allergies Work is a short (4 minute) animation about allergies, anaphylaxis and the immune system, and is a National Allergy Council initiative.

ASCIA PCC What is Allergy 2019100.2 KB

Allergies are increasing in Australia and New Zealand and affect around one in five people. There are many causes of allergy, and symptoms vary from mild to potentially life threatening. Allergy is one of the major factors associated with the cause and persistence of asthma. 

The definition of allergy 

Allergy occurs when a person reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless to most people. These substances are known as allergens and are found in dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, ticks, moulds, foods and some medications.

Atopy is the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. When atopic people are exposed to allergens they can develop an immune reaction that leads to allergic inflammation. This can cause symptoms in the:

• Nose and/or eyes, resulting in allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and/or conjunctivitis.
• Skin resulting in eczema, or hives (urticaria).
• Lungs resulting in asthma.

What happens when you have an allergic reaction?

When a person who is allergic to a particular allergen comes into contact with it, an allergic reaction occurs:

• When the allergen (such as pollen) enters the body, it triggers an antibody response.
• The antibodies attach themselves to mast cells.
• When the pollen comes into contact with the antibodies, the mast cells respond by releasing histamine.
• When the release of histamine is due to an allergen, the resulting inflammation (redness and sweliing) is irritating and uncomfortable.

Similar reactions can occur to some chemicals and food additives. However if they do not involve the immune system, they are known as adverse reactions, not allergy.

Which areas of the body may be affected?

People experience different symptoms, depending on the allergen and where it enters the body. Allergic reactions can involve many parts of the body at the same time.

Nose, eyes, sinuses and throat

When allergens are breathed in, the release of histamine causes the lining of the nose to produce more mucus and become swollen and inflamed. It causes the nose to run and itch, and violent sneezing may occur. Eyes may start to water and people may get a sore throat.

Lungs and chest

Asthma can be triggered during an allergic reaction. When an allergen is breathed in, the lining of the passages in the lungs swells and makes breathing difficult. 

Stomach and bowel

Foods that commonly cause allergy include peanuts, seafood, dairy products and eggs. Cow's milk allergy in infants may occur and can cause eczema, asthma, colic and stomach upset. Some people cannot digest lactose (milk sugar). Lactose intolerance causes stomach upsets, but should not be confused with allergy.

Skin

Skin problems that can be triggered by allergy include atopic dermatitis (eczema) and urticaria (hives). 

Life threatening allergic reactions require immediate treatment

Most allergic reactions are mild to moderate, and do not cause major problems. However, a small number of people may experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate life saving medication. Allergens which may cause anaphylaxis include foods, insects and medications. People with a severe allergy should have an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis. 

Effective prevention and treatment options are available

Allergen avoidance or minimisation relies on identifying the cause of the allergy and taking steps to reduce exposure to the allergen. For example, reducing dust mite in the home may help reduce symptoms in people who are allergic to mites. 

• Antihistamines block histamine release from mast cells, reducing symptoms. Non-sedating antihistamine tablets are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Antihistamine nasal and eye sprays can also be used.

• Intranasal cortiocosteroid nasal sprays (INCS) are effective for treatment of moderate to severe allergic rhinitis when used correctly. A prescription may be required for stronger dose INCS. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

• Combination therapies (INCS and antihistamine) are used for treatment of moderate to severe allergic rhinitis and offer the advantages of both medications.

• Medicated eye drops can be helpful in some cases, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• Adrenaline (epinephrine) - is used for first aid emergency treatment of life threatening severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).  Adrenaline is usually given using an adrenaline autoinjector that can be given without medical training.

Non-medicated treatments such as saline sprays are used for treating allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

Allergen immunotherapy (also known as desensitisation) is a long-term treatment which changes the immune system's response to allergens. It involves the administration of regular, gradually increasing amounts of allergen extracts, by injections or by sublingual tablets, sprays or drops.

If you have an allergy see your local pharmacist or doctor. In some cases you will be referred to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist for further investigations and advice.

© ASCIA 2019

ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.

ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations.

For more information go to www.allergy.org.au

To donate to immunology/allergy research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au/donate

Updated May 2019

ASCIA PCC Common myths 201999.95 KB

Allergies and asthma are very common in Australia and New Zealand. Around one in five people will develop allergies at some time during their life, and about one in ten will develop asthma. Far from being a trivial inconvenience, allergies have a significant impact on quality of life and are associated with other medical conditions. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are potentially life threatening. Unfortunately, many people confuse myth with reality in the way they view and treat allergies and asthma.

Myth 1: Allergies are uncommon

Reality: The rapid and continuing rise of allergic diseases over the past few decades is a serious public health issue in Australia and New Zealand.  Current statistics indicate that:

• One in five people will develop allergies at some time during life.

• One in ten infants will have a food allergy.

• One in ten children will develop eczema.

• Hospital admissions for anaphylaxis have increased five-fold in the past 20 years.

Myth 2: Allergies are harmless

Reality: Allergies are a serious problem in Australia and New Zealand and should not be ignored. Untreated allergies have a significant impact on quality of life.

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), results in poor sleep quality, fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Adults find it harder to think and function at work, suffer from greater absenteeism and more work-related injury. They are more irritable and moody than healthier people, and find it harder to make important decisions. School-aged children with allergic rhinitis can do poorly in examinations and often cannot recall information taught during class. Untreated allergies can also worsen other chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, sinusitis and skin disorders such as eczema and urticaria (hives).

Some allergies to foods, drugs and insect stings can lead to a potentially life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis - a systemic allergic reaction which can be fatal.

Myth 3: Smoking does not trigger asthma

Reality: Babies who are born to smoking mothers have a greater chance of developing asthma, than children of non-smoking mothers. Smoking is also a known trigger of asthma attacks and should not be ignored. If you must smoke, do it outside and away from your children.

Myth 4: Flowering plants cause hay fever

Reality: Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hayfever, is caused by allergy to pollen, rather than hay. Pollen allergy tends to be due to air borne pollen from wind pollinated grass, weed and tree species.

By contrast, the pollen of flowering plants is large and sticky, does not blow very far, and requires birds and bees for pollination. Therefore, when people complain that scented flowers trouble them, it is usually due to chemical irritation from the perfume that makes them sneeze, rather than the pollen.

Myth 5: Moving to another region can cure allergies

Reality: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) may be triggered by wind-blown pollen, mostly in spring and summer, or by other allergens such as house dust mite, animals and mould spores all year round. Moving away from the source of allergen (such as interstate, or from inland areas to the coast), may only temporarily relieve allergies.

Allergic people are also prone to developing new allergies, and often symptoms reappear within a few years with exposure to new plants, or other sources of allergen such as moulds or house dust mite.

Myth 6: Continuous exposure to animals will desensitize you to them

Reality: If you are allergic to an animal, continuous exposure will not decrease your allergy.

In fact, one in three people who are already allergic and exposed to indoor pets will become allergic to them as well over time.

The proteins found in a pet's dander (skin flakes, hair, fur, wool, feathers, saliva and urine), can cause an allergic reaction or aggravate asthma in some people. Pet hair, fur or wool can also collect pollen and other outdoor allergens.

Keeping indoor pets is also associated with asthma and the need for more medication. If you are allergic to animals, sensitivity often worsens with ongoing exposure. To relieve symptoms

• Minimize exposure to household pets by removing them from inside the home.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom.
• Have hard flooring.
• Wash the animal regularly to reduce the amount of allergen they shed.

Myth 7: You cannot develop an animal allergy if you do not have pets

Reality: Animal allergens, particularly cat and horse allergen can be carried on clothes. This may sensitise other people who do not have pets themselves and provoke symptoms in sensitive individuals.

Myth 8: Some animals are better for people with asthma and allergies

Reality: The allergens in cats are mainly from their sebaceous glands in their skin and the main source of allergens in dogs is from their saliva.  Even if some breeds do not shed dander, the allergen can still become attached to dust particles in the house (such as walls, carpets, bedding, clothing and drapes), and does not easily break down with time. Allergen can be continuously suspended in the air, even if the animal has been removed from the house or is not in the bedroom.  

While the amount of allergen shed by an individual animal may vary with a number of factors (sex, whether de-sexed or not, short or long hair, fur or wool), the allergen is the same amongst species.

Allergies to other animals such as guinea pigs, horses and mice have also been reported. Even iguanas can trigger allergies. There are no hypoallergenic animals.

Myth 9: Eliminating wheat and milk helps asthma and hay fever

Reality: Diet plays a minor role in the management of asthma or allergic rhinitis (hayfever). Eliminating wheat and milk will help your allergy, only if you are confirmed to be allergic to wheat and milk.

While some children with food allergies go on to develop eczema, asthma or allergic rhinitis, taking all people off wheat or dairy products as a routine can adversely affect nutrition (particularly in children) and directs effort into unnecessary areas. 

Food allergic reactions are usually rapid onset, severe and obvious. Symptoms usually include rashes, throat swelling, vomiting and/or sometimes atopic eczema. Nuts, fish, shellfish, milk and eggs are the most common food allergies in children. Bakers can develop asthma from inhaled wheat flour.

Scientific studies show no evidence that milk either increases mucus production or worsens asthma.  More commonly, patients will react to cold drinks (such as milk) with wheezing because of the inhalation of cool dry air while it is being drunk. 

Myth 10: Colours and preservatives are a common cause of asthma

Reality: Preservatives like sodium metabisulfite (220, 221, and 222) in wine, dried fruits, vinegar, grapes and some fruit salads can worsen asthma, but do not cause it. Inhalation of small amounts of sulfur dioxide may cause a reflex contraction of the bronchial tubes.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG or 621), has a bad reputation for triggering asthma in some people, but scientific studies have shown this to be a relatively rare problem. Benzoates (used in cordials), can sometimes cause reactions.

Allergy testing is unreliable for confirming sensitivity to these substances.

Myth 11: Alternative tests and treatments are just as effective as conventional tests and medicines 

Reality: There are several unorthodox tests for allergy such as cytotoxic food testing, Vega testing, kinesiology, iridology, pulse testing, Alcat testing and Rinkel's Intradermal skin testing. These have no scientific basis, are unreliable, and have no role in the assessment of allergy.

On the other hand, skin tests and blood allergen specific IgE tests are reliable and scientifically validated allergy tests. Together with a medical history and examination these tests can help your doctor define the cause of your allergies and are rebated by Medicare in Australia. 

Many Australians use dietary supplements, complementary and alternative medicines to treat or prevent various ailments. Sometimes they use them in conjunction with medications prescribed by their doctor. Regardless of your decision in this regard, it is important to let your doctor know you are taking them. This is because side effects and interactions with medications may occur. It is important to realise that alternative medicines have not been subjected to the rigorous study of effectiveness and side effects that conventional medicines undergo.

Myth 12: Allergies and asthma can be cured

Reality: Even though effective treatments are available, there are currently no cures for asthma or allergies. With appropriate diagnosis and management, most asthma and allergy sufferers will lead normal, active lives with little disturbance to their quality of life.

The closest thing to a cure for allergy is allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation), which is effective for treating some allergies like allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma and stinging insect allergy. This is currently not available for treating food allergies in Australia and New Zealand, except in research trials.

Myth 13: Asthma and hay fever sprays are dangerous

Reality: Inhaled medications, including corticosteroids (preventative treatment) are commonly used to treat asthma. They are very safe and effective, as long as they are used at an appropriate dose under medical supervision.

Similar medications (intranasal corticosteroid sprays) are often used to treat moderate to severe allergic rhinitis (hay fever). There is no evidence that long term use of these medications (in appropriate dosage and uder medical supervision) is harmful, although medical advice should be sought if side effects occur.

Myth 14: Many children grow out of their asthma and allergies

Reality: Allergies can last for many years. For example, it is known that:

• 85% of children with atopic dermatitis (eczema), improve by their teenage years, but often have dry and irritable skin and problems with soap and some cosmetics for life.

• 80% of children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (hayfever) will still have trouble ten years later.

• 40% of young adults diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) will still have symptoms 20 years later.

Asthma can also persist. Some children have asthma symptoms that improve or disappear during adolescence, whereas others will worsen. Those with severe or persistent asthma tend to remain much the same as adults. Even when symptoms disappear completely, they may return later on in life, particularly with infections or exercise.

Allergic reactions to cow's milk, soy or egg in infants often resolve by the time a child enters kindergarten, but others (such as peanut, tree nut or seafood), can persist for life.

Myth 15: Allergy drugs are dangerous and make you sleepy

Reality: Non-drowsy antihistamines are readily available from pharmacies. These medicines rarely make people drowsy and have been proven to be safe when driving. Because they last a lot longer in the body, they are also more convenient to take (typically once daily). 

Older sedating antihistamines have been available for decades. The only advantage is that they are inexpensive. They often cause drowsiness and interfere with people's ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Their impact is even more dangerous when alcohol is consumed. Adults using sedating antihistamines often find it difficult to think clearly, elderly patients may get confused, and children often become sleepy or irritable in class. It is therefore important to check medication labels, and to consult a pharmacist or doctor before you consider using these medicines.

Myth 16: There is no way of getting rid of house dust mites

Reality: The greatest concentration of house dust mites and their allergenic faecal particles is in carpeted bedrooms and bedding, and in houses where there are domestic animals, especially cats.

Polished boards or other hard floor coverings, regular washing of bed linen and encasing mattresses and pillows in barrier encasing will substantially reduce exposure to dust mite allergen.

Although it will not eradicate the dust mite, vacuuming once per week will reduce the number of dust mites, particularly if HEPA filters are used.

Myth 17: A little bit of peanut does no harm

Reality: Contact with a trace amount of peanut can be fatal for an extremely sensitive peanut allergic individual. 

Myth 18: Damp houses are just as healthy as dry houses

Reality: Damp houses have higher mould content than dry homes, and indoor mould is a common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma. 

© ASCIA 2019

ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.

ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations.

For more information go to www.allergy.org.au

To donate to allergy and immunology research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au/donate

Content updated April 2019