Living with Severe Allergies

Prescription

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Professional

Key Facts about Anaphylaxis

  1. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are serious and, unless treated quickly, can result in major illness or death.
  2. It is caused by exposure to allergens like food, insect stings, drugs, latex and exercise.
  3. Symptoms include itchiness, swelling, breathing difficulty, dizziness and nausea.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Professional

  • How can I tell if I am at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)?
  • How can I tell if I am allergic to a particular allergen or just intolerant of it?
  • If I had a reaction to an allergen in the past, will it happen again?
  • What are my options for treating anaphylaxis if it were to occur?
  • If some members of my family have allergies, might I have them too?
  • How can I help my child avoid exposure to a known allergen?
  • What should I tell my child's teachers and caregivers about his/her allergies?
  • What is the best way to prevent a severe allergic reaction?
  • What is immunotherapy and can it be used to treat severe allergies?
  • Should I wear an allergy alert ID bracelet?