Actions for this page Allergens and triggers 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 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. 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. Aspergillus is a fungus that commonly grows on rotting vegetation. It can cause asthma symptoms. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. Watch Mohamed's story and hear how his hay fever turned to asthma after a thunderstorm asthma event. Allergic reactions Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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). 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 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. 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. 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. The immune system remembers every germ it has ever overcome. Food allergies and intolerance Coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity Coeliac disease is an immune disease caused by gluten. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. Gluten sensitivity can be managed with a gluten-free diet. Lactose intolerance Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. 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). 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 the bacteria that could be harmful to humans. Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurised to kill the 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). Symptoms of fish and shellfish allergies vary and range from milder reactions to a life-threatening severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Living with allergies 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).

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. 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. 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. Thunderstorm asthma 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. 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. Allergy testing is used to find which substances provoke an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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. 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 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 cannot be cured, but with good management people with asthma can lead normal, active lives. Asthma management An asthma action plan can help you take control of your asthma and feel confident managing it. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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 Find out about thunderstorm asthma warnings, symptoms and treatment. Be ready this grass pollen season. Find out about thunderstorm asthma warnings, symptoms and treatment. Be ready this grass pollen season. Thunderstorm asthma - Mohamed's story (video) Watch Mohamed's story and hear how his hay fever turned to asthma after a thunderstorm asthma event. Watch Mohamed's story and hear how his hay fever turned to asthma after a thunderstorm asthma event. Thunderstorm asthma campaign toolkit Download resources and promotional content to help your organisation share thunderstorm asthma preparedness messages. Download resources and promotional content to help your organisation share thunderstorm asthma preparedness messages. 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. 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. Immediate telephone assistance is available for all kinds of emergencies. Give feedback about this page