Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Allergies

Allergies and hypersensitivities

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance that usually causes few or no problems in most people.

Allergic reactions to antibiotics

Some people have an allergic reaction to antibiotics. Learn about the symptoms and the difference between allergic reactions and side effects.

Allergic reactions to cow's milk

About 1 in 50 infants has an allergic reaction to cow’s milk. Learn more here about allergy to milk proteins.

Skin prick test is one of the most common allergy tests.

Allergy testing

Suffering from asthma or hay fever? They may be triggered by allergies. Find out more here about allergy testing.

 Peanuts are a common allergen that can cause an anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is very serious and can even be fatal. See here for the symptoms to look out for and what to do in an emergency.

Woman using nasal spray

Antihistamines

Antihistamine medications help ease allergy symptoms. Read more here about how they are used to treat conditions like hay fever and asthma.

Asthma

Asthma symptoms can include a cough, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Learn more about its causes, symptoms and treatment options.

 Close-up of a mosquito.

Bites and stings

Most insect bites and stings are relatively harmless - but some spiders, snakes and sea creatures can be very dangerous. Learn more about them here.

 Woman on couch with small dog and ipad

Cat and dog allergy

Allergies to cats and dogs are common, and symptoms can be severe. Learn more about how to live with a pet allergy.

 Woman scratching her wrist.

Contact dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin is commonly termed eczema or dermatitis. It can be effectively managed with treatment – find out how.

Food allergies

Some people have an allergic reaction to a normally harmless ingredient or type of food. This immune system response can range from mild to severe.

 Peanut allergy can cause a serious reaction in children.

Food allergies in children

Does your family have a history of eczema, asthma, hay fever or food allergies? Learn about food allergies in children and how to spot a reaction.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Hay fever is the common term for 'allergic rhinitis', which affects up to 1 in 5 Australians at some point in their life. Learn here how to manage it.

 Hives on man's arm.

Hives

Hives is a skin rash that is often triggered by an infection or allergy. Learn to recognise symptoms.

Immune system

Your body's immune system is designed to protect you from, or get rid of, infection. Find out more about how the immune system works.

Nut allergies

Exposure to nuts, even in tiny amounts, is a common trigger for a severe allergic reaction. Learn more here about managing nut allergies.

Pollen allergy

If you have pollen allergy, you may experience hay fever and asthma symptoms. Get tips on how to help manage your exposure to pollen.

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Future Food Allergy Treatments - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia

Future Food Allergy Treatments

Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website

Food Allergy - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia

Food allergy explained: what it is and how to manage

Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website

Starting school with food allergies - Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia

Starting school with food allergies

Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website

Food allergy - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Peanut, Tree Nut and Seed Allergy, Allergic and Toxic Reactions to Seafood, Coconut Allergy,  Cow's Milk (Dairy) Allergy    Dietary avoidance for food allergy Food Allergen Challenges FAQ  Food Allergy Food Allergy FAQs Lupin Allergy 

Read more on ASCIA – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website

Eczema and Food Allergy Nip Allergies in the Bub

Eczema and Food Allergy Many infants with moderate or severe eczema will also have a food allergy

Read more on National Allergy Strategy website

Dating with an allergy [250K An allergy awareness project]

Tell your date about your allergy

Read more on National Allergy Strategy website

Allergy - Milk allergy and milk free diet | Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

How common is cow’s milk allergy? Cow’s milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in childhood affecting about 1-2% of preschool children

Read more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website

Eczema and Allergy Prevention Nip Allergies in the Bub

Eczema and Allergy Prevention There has been recent research looking into preventing eczema in babies and also preventing food allergies in babies who develop eczema

Read more on National Allergy Strategy website

Home - Food Allergy Aware

Food allergy resource hub

Read more on National Allergy Strategy website

Allergy - Food Allergies and Eczema | Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

Is food allergy the cause of eczema? No

Read more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo