Respiratory and Pulmonary Disorders

Severe Allergies

Life-threatening reactions to common allergens like food, insect stings, or medications.
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About

Severe allergies can trigger life-threatening reactions known as anaphylaxis. Common allergens include foods (e.g., nuts, shellfish), insect stings, medications, and latex. Symptoms can escalate rapidly, causing breathing difficulties, swelling, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

This condition is often invisible.

Many disabilities, including this one, may not have outward signs—people can be significantly impacted even if they appear “fine” on the outside.

Common Challenges

  • Risk of exposure to allergens in communal or public spaces
  • Anxiety about accidental contact or ingestion
  • Need for quick access to emergency medication (e.g., epinephrine auto-injector)
  • Potential time off after severe reactions
  • Worry about workplace cleanliness and allergen control

Practitioner Help

  • Advise on workplace allergen avoidance strategies
  • Help communicate specific needs and emergency plans to employers
  • Support the development of an Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan
  • Encourage training for colleagues on recognising and responding to reactions
  • Assist in identifying safe work environments

Common Accommodations

  • Allergen-free zones or clear labelling of foods in shared areas
  • Access to a personal epinephrine auto-injector and safe storage
  • Emergency response protocols and first-aid training for staff
  • Flexible sick leave policies
  • Flexible working hours or part-time work
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Notes

Proactive planning, clear communication, and accessible emergency protocols are essential to ensure safety and confidence at work. Regular review of management plans helps adapt to any changes in allergy severity.

Resources

  • Anaphylaxis | healthdirect
  • About Allergies - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
  • ASCIA – Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
  • Anaphylaxis | Better Health Channel
  • Allergies | Better Health Channel
  • Allergies - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Respiratory and Pulmonary Disorders

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