Life-threatening allergic reactions are becoming increasingly common. The condition is called anaphylaxis and the main causes known to trigger attacks are peanuts, shellfish, wasp and bee stings, latex and drugs such as penicillin. Anyone can be at risk and especially those with a history of allergies, for example asthma, hayfever or eczema. This text is aimed at anyone whose life is affected by allergy: long term sufferers; the newly diagnosed; those with a known allergic tendency; parents and families of sufferers; teachers; first-aiders; and health-care professionals. Easy to understand, and containing important information, the book explains: how to identify the condition; how to recognize the early signs of an attack - and take immediate action; what to do in an emergency; how to limit exposure to the main trigger of your allergy; how to cope with the psychological impact of the condition and the trauma it causes; and what schools and employers need to know.