Allergies: Anaphylaxis

       I am bringing to you today a very important topic which I have learned is very much overlooked and generally misunderstood in most of our fortunate lives. Do you have an allergy? Most of you probably do. Whether it be pollen, dust, the hoover? Many people in society manage their everyday lives with ease if they have such allergies because they're not major. Now let me put this to you. Imagine if you had anaphylaxis. What's anaphylaxis you ask? That question is the problem. That question is the reason my Transition year class have undergone a YSI project to raise awareness about this subject. I realise you remain yearning for an answer. Allow me to explain.....
        Anaphylaxis, by definition, is an extreme, often life-threatening, allergic reaction to an antigen (e.g. a bee sting) to which the body has become hypersensitive. Doesn't it sound frightening? Ordinary things in life like nuts, eggs or milk, which most people consume without even realizing it through chocolate bars, meals out etc. However for someone suffering from anaphylaxis, life isn't so simple. They must avoid these triggers or they will have a serious reaction in the form of a shock. The triggered sufferer will begin swelling, develloping hives, lowered blood pressure and dilated blood vessels. If an anaphylactic shock is not treated immediately it can be fatal. What's terrible is that some severe sufferers don't even have to consume the food which they are allergic to, sometimes it is enough for them to smell it and a reaction will ensue.
       So as you can see, its a very serious issue which many people are ignorant of. Now let me guide you to another few thoughts. Picture a young sufferer of anaphylaxis having fallen head over heels in love and the big moment, the first kiss is about to take place. Fireworks are ready to pop, candles alight and the stars have shifted into alignment. What could go wrong? Well anaphylactics cannot have their kiss without checking that their partner has not eaten the food they are allergic to within a certain time frame. Complicates matter, doesn't it? Now lets envision the whole family going out for a nice meal at the local restaurant. Unfortunately, because of the fact that many restaurants do not cater for allergies, the sufferer will find it incredibly hard to eat there. Even if restaurants do serve allergy-friendly meals they do not guarantee absolutely no cross-contamination. Obviously these are just two common examples of the difficulties severe allergy sufferers face in their day to day lives. What everyone reading this needs to realise is that this condition seriously impacts on the lives of those affected!
          And now for a few stats:
- In the USA, Anaphylaxis cause the deaths of between 500- 1000 people each year
- The frequency of anaphylaxis is increasing
- Anaphylaxis occurs in all age groups.
- The most common fool allergies are 1. Peanuts 2. Milk 3. Shellfish
       I'm sure anyone who lives with anaphylaxis everyday by being a sufferer or close relative will read and think it a very brief synopsis however my aim was not to overwhelm you but to introduce the idea that Allergies are serious and not just confined to a sneeze in the middle of summer. My groups' project "Strategies4Allergies" predominantly aims to raise awareness for this good cause and to ultimately improve the lives of allergy sufferers in our community. I hope after reading this, ye guys will think more about underlying issues in society and if ye see collections for Anaphylaxis please give what you can! Your money is certainly going to good use:). If you're Irish why not check out www.anaphylaxisireland.ie, there you can learn a lot more detailed information. They also have a facebook page and a twitter so connect away!
                                                                      Love,
                                                                         Rachel!=)