Over four million Australians live with allergies. Food allergy, for example, occurs in around 10% of infants, 4-8% of children, and 2% of adults in Australia.
While not everyone with an allergy is at risk, recent studies show increasing incidence of all-cause anaphylaxis in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. In Australia, in the five years to 2019-20
- Anaphylaxis presentations to emergency departments in public hospitals grew by 51% - to more than 11,594 in 2019-20.
- Anaphylaxis hospital admissions increased by 35% - from 9,042 in 2015-16 to 12,179 in 2019-20.
Despite well-recognised guidelines, care is not always provided as recommended. In a study in eight Australian emergency departments, 27% of reactions consistent with anaphylaxis were not given adrenaline. Analysis of fatalities recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics between 1997-2013 highlighted gaps between guideline recommendations and patient care, such as delayed treatment with adrenaline.
Infographics and other communication resources
This infographic outlines key data highlights on anaphylaxis in Australia, to support the release of the new standard. You can find more communication resources on our Anaphylaxis Campaign web page.
Poster or graphic
The Acute Anaphylaxis Clinical Care Standard will help to ensure that Australians receive prompt treatment to manage severe allergic reactions, and that there is continuity of patient care across healthcare settings.
This infographic outlines key data highlights on anaphylaxis in Australia, to support the release of the new standard on 24 November 2021.