LESSON 1 – WHAT IS AN ALLERGY AND WHAT IS ANAPHYLAXIS

 ANAPHYLAXIS

• Anaphylaxis is a very severe allergic reaction and can start within minutes of exposure to an allergen, but on some occasions may take up to two hours to develop.

• An Anaphylactic reaction can progress very rapidly and is potentially life-threatening and must ALWAYS be treated as a medical emergency.
• Anaphylaxis can affect many body systems including the respiratory system and/or cardiovascular system (which are the greater threat), however, skin and gastrointestinal symptoms may also be involved.
• Anaphylaxis can only be medically diagnosed

 FOOD INTOLERANCE

• A food Intolerance does not involve the immune system and is commonly caused by a lack of enzymes that help to break down certain foods.
• The symptoms of food intolerance can sometimes appear like those of mild or moderate food allergy but a food intolerance can’t cause immediate life-threatening reactions like Anaphylaxis.