04/11/2025
What is Anaphylaxis?
Every day, Australians in schools, workplaces, and public settings are exposed to potential allergens, such as food, insect bites, medication, or environmental factors.
For those at risk of anaphylactic reaction, even a tiny exposure to an allergen can trigger a full-body reaction in minutes.
Anaphylaxis occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive in response to a harmless substance it wrongly sees as dangerous.
This overreaction causes the release of chemicals that can lead to:
💉 Severe swelling (especially of the airways)
💉 Rapid drop in blood pressure
💉 Constriction of the chest and lungs
💉 Circulatory collapse
It’s not just uncomfortable, it’s fatal without fast treatment. What makes it more dangerous is that reactions often begin without warning and can worsen in seconds.
Common Triggers Include:
🥜 Peanuts
🌰 Tree nuts
🦀 Shellfish
🥛 Milk
🥚 Eggs
🐝 Bee or wasp stings
💊 Penicillin or other medications
🧤 Latex
🏃🏼♀️ Exercise combined with allergen exposure
Key symptoms:
👉🏼 Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
👉🏼 Tightness in the chest, wheezing, or trouble breathing
👉🏼 Pale or bluish skin, especially around the lips
👉🏼 Hives, rash, or widespread skin redness
👉🏼 Vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhoea
👉🏼 Dizziness, fainting, or sudden collapse
These can appear alone or in combination, and may look similar to asthma, anxiety, or a panic attack. But if someone has a known allergy and shows any of these signs, assume anaphylaxis.
Check out our blog for further information and advice on what to do if you suspect anaphylaxis. 👇🏼
https://lfafirstresponse.com.au/blogs/how-do-you-treat-anaphylactic-shock
