Allergies
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- Allergies to bites and stings
Allergies to insect stings and bites range from milder allergic reactions to life-threatening, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
- Allergies to medications
All medication has the potential to cause allergies but some people can have allergic reactions to specific prescription or over-the-counter medications.
- Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a fungus that commonly grows on rotting vegetation. It can cause asthma symptoms.
- Epidemic thunderstorm asthma
Find out when thunderstorm asthma events take place, risks, symptoms and how to protect yourself and others. What people with hay fever and asthma should know.
- House dust mite
Areas around the home that are heavily used, such as beds and upholstered furniture, will have much higher mite populations than the rest of the house.
- How to avoid your asthma triggers
Asthma triggers are substances, conditions or activities that lead to symptoms of asthma.
- Latex allergy
The best way to manage latex allergy is to avoid exposure to latex products.
- Mould and your health
The way to control indoor mould growth is to control the source of moisture.
- Pollen allergies
Pollen allergies cause seasonal hay fever and asthma and can be treated with antihistamines, nasal sprays or asthma medication
- Thunderstorm asthma - Mohamed's story (video)
Watch Mohamed's story and hear how his hay fever turned to asthma after a thunderstorm asthma event.
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Eczema can vary in severity, and symptoms may flare up or subside from day to day.
- Hay fever
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens that can occur at any time of the year.
- Hives
Hives (urticaria) are a reaction to the release of histamine into the skin.
- Thunderstorm asthma - Mohamed's story (video)
Watch Mohamed's story and hear how his hay fever turned to asthma after a thunderstorm asthma event.
- Allergic reactions emergency first aid
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).
- Allergies explained
Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people.
- Allergy testing
Allergy testing is used to find which substances provoke an allergic reaction.
- Asthma and allergens
Many people with asthma find their symptoms can worsen when they are exposed to certain allergens like house dust mite, animal dander, pollen and mould.
- Immune system explained
The immune system remembers every germ it has ever overcome.
- Coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity
Coeliac disease is an immune disease caused by gluten.
- Cow’s milk allergy
Milk allergy symptoms range from mild to a life-threatening severe allergic reaction. Avoid food containing milk only under strict medical supervision.
- Egg allergy
Egg allergy is one of the most common causes of allergies in children with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening reactions.
- Food additives
The long-term effects of consuming a combination of different additives in our food are currently unknown.
- Food allergy and intolerance
Food allergy is an immune response, while food intolerance is a chemical reaction.
- Food labels
Food labels carry useful information to help you make good choices about food.
- Gluten-free diet
Gluten sensitivity can be managed with a gluten-free diet.
- Lactose intolerance
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
- Nut allergies
Peanuts, tree nuts and seeds can all cause allergies with symptoms ranging from milder reactions to a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
- Raw (unpasteurised) milk
Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurised to kill bacteria that could be harmful to humans.
- Shellfish and fish allergies
Symptoms of fish and shellfish allergies vary and range from milder reactions to a life-threatening severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
- Allergic reactions emergency first aid
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).
- Asthma-friendly home
There are many ways in which you can transform your home into an asthma-friendly environment.
- Travelling with an allergy
If you have an allergy, visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an asthma attack.
- After-hours healthcare options
For unexpected after-hours medical issues, there are telephone helplines, pharmacies, after-hours medical clinics or doctors who can visit you at home.
- Allergy testing
Allergy testing is used to find which substances provoke an allergic reaction.
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention.
- Asthma - pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnant women with asthma need to continue to take their asthma medication as it is important to the health of both mother and baby that the mother's asthma is under control.
- Asthma – school and child care
If your child has asthma, the childcare centre or school should have relevant action plans and staff trained to deal with asthma emergencies.
- Asthma and adults
Careful diagnosis of adult onset asthma is important, because the symptoms can be confused with other conditions.
- Asthma and allergens
Many people with asthma find their symptoms can worsen when they are exposed to certain allergens like house dust mite, animal dander, pollen and mould.
- Asthma and exercise
Asthma triggered by exercise can be prevented with medication and by preparing for exercise and physical activity.
- Asthma and teenagers
Asthma affects about one in 10 teenagers in Australia.
- Asthma and travel
Before taking your trip, visit your doctor to make sure your asthma is under control well before you leave.
- Asthma emergency first aid
Asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).
- Asthma explained
Asthma cannot be cured, but with good management people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.
- Asthma in childhood - triggers (video)
Parents and children talk about some of the factors that can cause a child's asthma to flare up.
- Asthma management
An asthma action plan can help you take control of your asthma and feel confident managing it.
- Asthma medication
Your doctor will prescribe the correct medications that can either help to relieve or prevent the symptoms of asthma.
- Asthma-friendly home
There are many ways in which you can transform your home into an asthma-friendly environment.
- Diagnosing asthma
Doctors do not have a single test to diagnose asthma so your doctor must understand your symptoms and eliminate other possible causes of your symptoms
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Eczema can vary in severity, and symptoms may flare up or subside from day to day.
- Epidemic thunderstorm asthma
Find out when thunderstorm asthma events take place, risks, symptoms and how to protect yourself and others. What people with hay fever and asthma should know.
- Hay fever
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens that can occur at any time of the year.
- How to avoid your asthma triggers
Asthma triggers are substances, conditions or activities that lead to symptoms of asthma.
- Immune system explained
The immune system remembers every germ it has ever overcome.
- Medicine information leaflets for consumers
A Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) leaflet gives you accurate information about the safety of your medication and how best to take it.
- Pollen allergies
Pollen allergies cause seasonal hay fever and asthma and can be treated with antihistamines, nasal sprays or asthma medication
- Preparing for a health or medical appointment
Get the most out of your consultation by preparing for your health or medical appointment.
- Respiratory system
The respiratory system takes up oxygen from the air we breathe and expels the unwanted carbon dioxide.
- Talking with your doctor
To get the most out of the conversation with your doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider, it is best to be open about providing information and to speak up if you don?t understand.
- Thunderstorm asthma - Mohamed's story (video)
Watch Mohamed's story and hear how his hay fever turned to asthma after a thunderstorm asthma event.
- Travelling with an allergy
If you have an allergy, visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an asthma attack.
- Who to call in a crisis
Immediate telephone assistance is available for all kinds of emergencies.