This document has been developed by ASCIA, the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA information is based on published literature and expert review, is not influenced by commercial organisations and is not intended to replace medical advice.         

For patient or carer support contact Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia or Allergy New Zealand. 

ASCIA PC FAST FACTS Asthma and Allergy 2023126.4 KB

1. Allergy is one of the major factors associated with the development of asthma. Around 80% of people with asthma have positive allergy test results.
2. There are two main ways in which allergy plays a role in asthma:
   • Allergy itself can produce allergic inflammation in the airways.
   • Exposure to one or more allergens can trigger an asthma attack.
3. Allergy is very common in Australia and New Zealand, affecting around 20% of people. Asthma is also common, affecting around 10% of people. 
4. An allergic reaction occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that do not affect most people. Allergens are mostly found in house dust mites, pollen, pets, moulds, some antibiotic medicines, insect stings or bites, latex (natural rubber) and foods.
5. Allergic reactions lead to inflammation (redness and swelling), and can affect different parts of the body, such as:
   • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) which affects the nose and eyes.
   • Eczema or urticaria (hives) which affects the skin.
   • Asthma which affects the lungs.
   • Anaphylaxis (the most severe type of allergic reaction), which can affect the whole body.
6. Asthma can also be triggered by infections, exercise, cold air, changes in temperature, and smoke.
7. For some people, pollen can directly trigger asthma as well as allergic rhinitis. When pollen granules come into contact with water, starch granules are released that are small enough to be breathed into the airways. This causes allergic rhinitis and what is known as thunderstorm asthma in some people.
8. People with asthma experience a narrowing of the airways which obstructs the flow of air in and out of the lungs. This narrowing of the airways can be reversed using medication (relievers). Most people with asthma can lead normal, active lives if they take regular medication (preventers) to control their symptoms.
9. If asthma is triggered or made worse by allergy and the specific allergen responsible is known:
   • Avoid, remove or minimise exposure to confirmed allergens, where possible.
   • Ensure that allergic rhinitis is treated, as untreated allergic rhinitis can make asthma worse.
   • Be prepared for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis if you have asthma and food allergies.
   • See a doctor if wheezing happens more in spring or summer as there may be a risk of thunderstorm asthma.

© ASCIA 2023

Content updated June 2023

For more information go to www.allergy.org.au/patients/asthma-and-allergy

To support allergy and immunology research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au/donate

This document has been developed by ASCIA, the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA information is based on published literature and expert review, is not influenced by commercial organisations and is not intended to replace medical advice.        

For patient or carer support contact Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia or Allergy New Zealand.

ASCIA PC FAST FACTS Allergy Treatments 202369.56 KB

1. Adrenaline (epinephrine) injected into the outer mid-thigh is the immediate treatment of life threatening severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Adrenaline rapidly reverses the effects of anaphylaxis by reducing throat swelling, opening airways, maintaining heart function, and blood pressure. Adrenaline injectors are designed to be used in emergencies by non-medical people, including patients themselves, if they are not too unwell.

2. Allergen avoidance is essential in the management of severe allergies to foods, insects and drugs (medications). It is important to have plans in place to minimise the risk of exposure to allergens that can result in anaphylaxis.

3. Allergen minimisation can be useful in the management of allergic rhinitis (hay fever). If it is possible to identify the allergen that causes the reaction, minimising exposure to the confirmed allergens may reduce symptoms.

4. Treatments for allergic rhinitis can be recommended by a pharmacist and/or doctor. These include non-sedating antihistamines (tablets, syrups, nasal sprays, eye drops), saline (salt water) nasal sprays and rinses, intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) sprays, or sprays containing a combination of INCS and antihistamine.

5. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for aeroallergens (such as pollen and dust mites) reduces the severity of allergy symptoms and the need for medications. It involves regular administration of gradually increasing doses of allergen extracts, usually over a period of three to five years. It can be given as injections or as sublingual (under the tongue) tablets, sprays or drops. It is usually recommended for allergic rhinitis when symptoms are severe. AIT is also known as desensitisation.

6. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) for allergy to venom from insects (such as bees, wasps and stinging ants) reduces the severity of allergy symptoms and can prevent anaphylaxis. It involves regular administration of gradually increasing doses of allergen extracts, usually over a period of three to five years, given as injections. It is usually recommended for severe allergies to stinging insects. VIT is also known as desensitisation.

7. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) for food allergy is currently the subject of research in Australia and New Zealand and is yet to enter routine clinical practice. People who have a diagnosed food allergy must avoid the food trigger unless they are participating in a research study led by a clinical immunology/allergy specialist.

8. Immunomodulation and other therapies for severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) are now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia. A clinical immunology/allergy specialist or dermatologist may consider prescribing this treatment for eligible people.

© ASCIA 2023

Content updated June 2023

For more information go to www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments

To support allergy and immunology research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au/donate                                                                                       

This document has been developed by ASCIA, the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA information is based on published literature and expert review, is not influenced by commercial organisations and is not intended to replace medical advice.            

For patient or carer support contact Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia or Allergy New Zealand.

ASCIA PC FAST FACTS Allergy Testing 2023125.02 KB

1. Allergy testing is used to identify or confirm what allergens are causing allergy and/or asthma symptoms.

2. Skin prick tests (SPT) or blood tests measure allergen specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies:

• • Skin prick testing should be supervised by a doctor who is trained to select allergens, interpret results, and treat an allergic reaction if it occurs. The tests are usually performed on a patient’s forearm or back. If the result is positive, a small itchy lump (wheal) and red flare will appear at the site of the skin prick test within 15-20 minutes.
  • Blood tests for allergen specific IgE antibodies can be performed when skin prick testing is not easily available, when a patient has severe eczema, or when a person is taking a medication (such as antihistamines) that may interfere with the results.

3. A positive result from an allergy test indicates sensitivity to an allergen and it is important to consider the patient’s history of symptoms before a diagnosis can be made.

4. Allergy test results allow doctors to recommend suitable treatment and management options. This includes advice on how to avoid or minimise exposure to allergens that cause symptoms.

5. Allergy tests are usually performed on people with allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma or suspected allergic reactions to insects, foods, drugs (medications), and occupational allergens (such as animal allergy for vets and latex allergy for nurses).

6. Oral allergen challenge tests are sometimes required when the cause of a severe allergy (anaphylaxis) has not been confirmed. Oral allergen challenge testing is normally only performed using foods or medications under the supervision of a clinical immunology/allergy specialist, with immediate access to emergency equipment.

7. Patch tests are used to test for allergic contact dermatitis that is triggered by substances such as metals, cosmetic preservatives, or various plants. Patch tests are usually performed on a patient’s back, and supervised by a health professional who is trained to select allergens and interpret results.

8. Some methods that claim to test for allergy are unproven and NOT recommended by ASCIA. These include cytotoxic food testing, kinesiology, hair analysis, vega testing (electro-diagnostic), electrodermal testing, pulse testing, reflexology, Bryan’s or Alcat tests, and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) to foods. These tests can result in misdiagnosis, ineffective treatments, costly and often dangerous dietary restrictions.

© ASCIA 2023

Content updated June 2023

For more information go to www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-testing

To support allergy and immunology research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au

This document has been developed by ASCIA, the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA information is based on published literature and expert review, is not influenced by commercial organisations and is not intended to replace medical advice.        

For patient or carer support contact AusPIPS, HAE Australasia, IDFA or IDFNZ.

ASCIA PC FAST FACTS Primary Immunodeficiencies 202376.81 KB

1. Primary immunodeficiency (PID) disorders, also known as inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a group of more than 400 potentially serious disorders that can lead to frequent or severe infections, swellings, and autoimmune problems.

2. IEI/PID disorders can be caused by defects in the genes that control the immune system and may be inherited. IEI/PID disorders are different to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), that is due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

3. Symptoms of IEI/PID disorders often appear in childhood, but some can first occur in adults. Research and advances in therapies have resulted in improved health and a longer life for people with IEI/PID disorders. Early diagnosis of IEI/PID disorders is important, since delayed treatment can result in complications, which may be life threatening.

4. IEI/PID disorders can be grouped according to what part of the immune system is affected:

• • Antibody deficiencies such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and X-linked agammaglobulinaemia.
  • Combined immunodeficiencies such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
  • Phagocytic cell deficiencies such as chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).
  • Immune dysregulation and autoinflammatory disorders.
  • Complement deficiencies such as hereditary angioedema (HAE).

5. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) is one of the most effective and commonly used treatments for some IEI/PID disorders. IRT can be given using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) injected into the veins or given at home using subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) that is injected under the skin.

6. Other treatment options for IEI/PID disorders include antibiotics, immunomodulation, haematopoeitic stem cell transplants (HSCT) and HAE treatments.

© ASCIA 2023

Content updated June 2023

For more information go to www.allergy.org.au/patients/immunodeficiencies

To support allergy and immunology research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au/donate