Support group set up for people living with severe allergies

A new support group is being set up in Birmingham for people affected by severe allergies.

A meeting will take place (8 June) at the Birmingham Heartlands Hospital for individuals living with life threatening allergies or anaphylaxis.

First aid instructor and allergy sufferer Keith Byrne is running the group. He will be there along with allergy nurse specialists to answer any questions.

According to charity Anaphylaxis Campaign, NHS hospitals in England dealt with over 20,000 admissions for allergies between February 2013 and February 2014.

The charity also said that every year, around 20 people die from an acute allergic reaction.

Keith Byrne Credit: Anaphylaxis Campaign

Keith said:

What is anaphylaxis?

  • Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction characteristically affecting more than one body system such as the airways, heart, circulation, gut and skin.

  • The common causes of anaphylaxis include foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, fish,sesame seeds and kiwi fruit.

  • Symptoms include: Swollen tongue, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze, persistent cough.

  • See your GP as soon as possible if you are worried you are having a severe allergic reaction.

Source: Anaphylaxis Campaign