Other Allergies

Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to a substance in the environment that is 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).

Allergic disease includes multiple chronic conditions, such as anaphylaxis, food allergies, drug (medication) allergies, venom (insect and tick) allergies, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), atopic dermatitis (eczema) and asthma.

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.