Latest news with #anaphylaxis
Medscape
5 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
MHRA Approves UK's First Nasal Spray for Anaphylaxis
An adrenaline nasal spray for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This marks the first time a needle-free formulation is available in the UK for this use. The spray, called EURneffy, is manufactured by ALK-Abelló A/S, a pharmaceutical company based in Denmark. It was authorised for use in the European Union in August 2023. UK approval followed the MHRA's International Recognition Procedure, introduced in January 2024. The pathway enables the MHRA to align with decisions made by trusted global regulatory partners. Alternative to Adrenaline Auto-Injectors Adrenaline is the standard emergency treatment for anaphylaxis and is usually administered by auto-injectors pens. EURneffy is the first approved nasal spray alternative. The ready-to-use spray is suitable for adults and children weighing 30 kg (about 66 lbs) or more. It delivers its entire contents of 2 mg of adrenaline with a single activation, even when the user has nasal congestion. It is indicated for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions caused by insect stings or bites, foods, medicinal products, and other allergens. It can also be used to treat idiopathic or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. According to ALK-Abelló, the product offers a 30-month shelf life and better temperature stability compared with traditional adrenaline auto-injectors. Patients Should Always Carry Two Doses Patients are advised to carry two doses of adrenaline in case a second dose is needed. A second dose should be given in the same nostril after 10 minutes if symptoms persist or recur. Patients should also inform friends or family about their condition in case help is needed during a reaction. Biphasic anaphylaxis — a delayed recurrence of symptoms — remains a risk. Patients should seek immediate medical attention after any severe allergic reaction, regardless of whether symptoms resolve. The MHRA cautioned that the spray's plunger must not be pressed before insertion into the nostril, as this will release the single dose prematurely. Efficacy and Tolerability Supported by Trial Data Presentations at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology congress last month in Glasgow highlighted that Eurneffy nasal adrenaline spray addressed "unmet needs and current challenges in the emergency management of anaphylaxis". Ethical and practical constraints prevent trials in patients experiencing acute anaphylaxis. However, data from ALK-Abelló's development programme, involving more than 700 participants, demonstrated that the spray produced a pharmacological response comparable with that of intramuscular adrenaline auto-injectors. Real-world data also supported the effectiveness of the nasal adrenaline spray in acute situations. No serious adverse events were reported in clinical studies. The most frequently occurring adverse reactions were reported only after a second 2 mg dose (4 mg total). These included throat irritation (18.8%), headache (17.6%), nasal discomfort (12.9%), and feeling jittery (10.6%). Ongoing Safety Monitoring The MHRA will continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of Eurneffy. Healthcare professionals and patients are urged to report suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme. Further information, including the Patient Information Leaflet and Summary of Product Characteristics, will be available on the MHRA website within seven days of approval.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
First nasal spray for allergic reactions now available in UK
The first needle-free emergency treatment for anaphylaxis – in the form of a nasal spray – will now be available in the UK. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray (EURneffy) for emergency treatment. The manufacturer, ARS Pharma, has been contacted for comment about whether it plans to seek wider approval for use on the NHS. Julian Beach, MHRA interim executive director of healthcare quality and access, said: 'Patient safety is our top priority, which is why we're pleased to approve the first needle-free nasal spray formulation of adrenaline for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in the UK. 'Until now, adrenaline for self-administration has only been available via auto-injectors. 'While this represents an important new option, adrenaline auto-injectors remain a vital and potentially life-saving treatment, giving people experiencing anaphylaxis valuable time before emergency help arrives. 'We continue to encourage everyone at risk of severe allergic reactions, and those around them, to familiarise themselves with how to respond in an emergency. 'Resources and guidance are available on the MHRA website to help people be prepared.' Anaphylaxis is a sudden and life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause a drop in blood pressure and breathing difficulties. EURneffy is intended for use in adults and children who weigh 30kg (about 66lb) or more, and can be used even if people have colds or blocked noses. It is a single dose nasal spray that delivers its entire contents (2mg) upon activation. People are reminded that the plunger should not be pressed before inserting the product into the nostril, otherwise the single dose will be lost. The MHRA said patients should always carry two nasal sprays with them in case a second dose is needed, and tell family and friends where it is.
CNA
5 days ago
- Health
- CNA
'Playing Russian roulette every time I eat': What living with allergies is like in Singapore
In February this year, a typical day for Ms Teo Ying Ying turned into a distressing hospital visit and a confronting new chapter of her life. The 27 - year-old music teacher had enjoyed her favourite Indian rojak for both lunch and dinner, ending the day with a bowl of her mother's herbal soup. It wasn't long before her eyes started to itch and water uncomfortably. Then, she began sneezing uncontrollably, broke out in hives and struggled to breathe. She had never experienced an episode like this. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors found that her oxygen levels had fallen to 93 per cent, a level where medical evaluation is advised. She was given an injection of epinephrine, administered steroids and placed on oxygen to stabilise her condition. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the first-line emergency treatment for severe and immediate allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can affect breathing and blood circulation. Doctors told Ms Teo that she was most likely having an allergic reaction, but they were unsure of what caused it and advised her to carry an EpiPen until she could be tested for the condition. An EpiPen is an emergency injection that delivers adrenaline to stop a severe allergic reaction. Ms Teo said that in those initial months before she was tested, she was filled with anxiety and uncertainty, sticking to eating food she knew would not trigger a reaction. She said she carried her EpiPen with her, even if she was just going to buy food near her housing block. Beyond the fear of what might trigger another reaction, what unsettled her most was the sheer unpredictability of it all. "Suddenly, I'm allergic to something. It feels a bit unfair. All my life, I've been eating all these food items … and I was perfectly fine, and suddenly it decides to happen." Allergy tests later revealed that Ms Teo was allergic to storage mites, a type of microscopic insect commonly found in dried foods such as grains, flour and spices. She was told to wash rice thoroughly and avoid consuming food that has been left out too long, as a way to minimise the risk. "It's definitely great knowing what I'm allergic to, but I can't control (what gets into the food) when eating out," she said. Unlike a seafood allergy, where she could ask for ingredients to be omitted, storage mites are harder to avoid or detect. They could be present anywhere, whether in flour or food that has been left out for a while, making it nearly impossible to eliminate from her diet. Ms Teo is not alone in developing an allergy later in life. Ms Tan Hui San, 32, discovered she was suddenly allergic to nuts seven years ago, despite having eaten peanut butter regularly without any problems. It was not the public relations professional's first encounter with a food allergy. Years earlier, as a teenager, she had a reaction to chicken rice that contained salted fish, which led to the discovery of her shellfish allergy. "In 2018, I ate some cashew nuts and I started to feel an area of my tongue at the back of my throat starting to swell," she recalled. Ms Tan also has asthma, so she often feels a tightness in her chest that usually takes a few days or up to two weeks to subside whenever she has a reaction. Over the years, her nut allergy has worsened, she observed. At first, she avoided only tree nuts; now, she cannot eat chocolate that might contain trace amounts of nuts. "It's strange because it never used to be so bad. I used to be able to eat, for example, a brand of chocolates and I never had issues with them before. A couple of months ago, I ate some chocolates I always eat and suddenly, I needed my inhaler," she said. "It feels like a very small thing and it might not seem severe, but living with it is stressful. "There is this sense of the unknown. Sometimes you eat certain things and you feel like you're okay – and then you're not okay." As a precaution, Ms Tan carries around her inhaler and doctor-prescribed antihistamines, which are stronger than over-the-counter ones but leave her feeling lethargic. "I feel like people just don't realise the mental, emotional impact of it (living with allergies)." DOCTORS REPORT RISE IN ALLERGY INQUIRIES Doctors from both private and public healthcare clinics told CNA TODAY that they have noticed a steady increase in allergy-related consultations. The majority of allergy cases in Singapore continue to involve children, but there doctors have noted a growing number of adults developing new allergies as well, although there is very little public data on the trend. Dr Phang Kee Fong, consultant at the division of rheumatology and allergy at the National University Hospital (NUH), said he has seen "an increasing number of referrals to the adult allergy clinic". "We are also seeing patients who do develop new food allergies in adulthood, most commonly to shellfish such as prawns and crab," Dr Phang added, noting that studies in adults with allergies are lacking. "The nature of allergic diseases in adults may be different from what is seen in young children; hence, extrapolating paediatric management to the care of adult patients may not be entirely appropriate." Dr Tan Wei Jie, a general practitioner (GP) at DTAP@Orchard clinic, sees around two to three patients a week who ask for allergy tests and treatment. He said that the numbers have gone up over the past two years. His patients are mostly children and teenagers, but there are adults as well. Many of these cases are mild, but he has observed a broader range of conditions, from skin rashes to more severe allergic reactions, particularly among children. At KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), Dr Chong Kok Wee, head of its paediatric allergy service, noted a rise in the incidence of food allergies among children, with the prevalence at 5 per cent. Between 2015 and 2022, the hospital's emergency department saw nearly 2.5 times more visits for food-induced anaphylaxis, he said. He added that the growing number of cases was "likely due to a true rise in disease prevalence", which was compounded by heightened awareness and improved diagnostic tools. Dr Chong is the co-investigator of a new clinical study announced last month that aims to answer questions about the prevalence and impact of food allergies among children in Singapore. The four-year study is being led by NUH and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, in collaboration with KKH, National University Polyclinics (NUP) and NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. Named the Singapore Food Allergy Story, it is the first and largest study to provide a holistic overview of the burden of food allergies in Singapore, a media release by the health institutions stated. ALLERGIES CAN OCCUR ANY TIME OF YOUR LIFE Although allergies are often associated with childhood, doctors who spoke to CNA TODAY said that these can develop later in life and sometimes in response to substances previously tolerated. "There are cases where individuals may develop an allergy to a product that they have used for a period of time," Dr Tan the GP said, adding that this could include familiar foods, skincare products or pets. He also said that many people wrongly assume long-term exposure guarantees safety, but this is not so because the immune system can suddenly change its response. Dr Phang, who sees patients at Alexandra Hospital and NUH, said: "A patient could have been exposed to a substance without issue for years, but a combined effect of environmental factors, infections and genetic factors can cause the immune system to now recognise it as a threat." Dr Uma Alagappan of TDC The Dermatology Clinic said that for patients with severe eczema, a skin condition, they may develop more allergies over time. This may occur later in life and treating the eczema will help to reduce the number of allergies. She also said that shellfish and avocado allergies usually develop due to cross-reactions. Cross-reaction (or cross-reactivity) in allergies happens when the immune system mistakenly identifies one allergen as another because their proteins share a similar structure. This can cause allergic reactions to substances even without exposure, simply because they are biochemically similar to the one already causing an allergy for the patient, Dr Uma explained. Dr Chong from KKH said that the cause of food allergies is likely multi-factorial and a result of the complex interplay of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors during early childhood. He said allergic conditions tend to follow a progression known as the "atopic march", where eczema in infancy may give way to food allergies and eventually, to respiratory conditions such as allergic rhinitis, a type of inflammation in the nose, or asthma. Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, a dermatologist in private practice at Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic, said that urban living, changes in dietary habits and reduced exposure to natural environments in early childhood may play a role in increasing allergy sensitivity. Agreeing, Dr Chong said one key theory that might explain the rise in food allergies in Singapore is the "hygiene hypothesis". "Our modern and cleaner urban lives have reduced our early exposure to microbes that are crucial for training a child's immune system," he added. "Ironically, a more sterile environment may inadvertently be increasing our allergy risks by not allowing the immune system to learn what are harmless or harmful." LIVING WITH ALLERGIES IN FOOD-OBSESSED SINGAPORE Although 29-year-old civil servant Rae Teo has lived with allergies since childhood, she said her allergies escalated rapidly in adulthood. She had been allergic to nuts, shellfish and bananas from birth, but she began developing new allergies during her university years, including reactions to mushrooms, brinjal, parmesan cheese, most fruits, as well as dust and storage mites. She makes it a point to avoid cuisines that are likely to contain allergens, but dining out can be challenging because not all workers at eateries are equipped to manage food allergies. She recalled an incident when she was dining out with colleagues and had asked a staff member to confirm that a pasta dish did not contain mushrooms due to her allergy. Despite assurances from the restaurant, including a check with its head office, the dish was served with mushrooms that are clearly seen. When she pointed this out, the staff member insisted that it was mushroom-free, much to her frustration. "It's kind of like playing Russian roulette every time I eat," she said. "Sometimes, I worry I'll wake up tomorrow and I'm suddenly allergic to something that I like. "I used to really not enjoy eating in general, because it was such a stressor. The uncertainty is quite burdensome, but I've also learnt to live with it." Mr Joshua Shih, 34, who has a gluten and dairy intolerance, said looking for food options in Singapore can be an ordeal. Gluten intolerance is a sensitivity to foods containing wheat, barley or rye, including sauces such as soy or oyster sauce used in Asian cooking. "I went to Raffles City shopping centre because I know most gluten-free options tend to be in the central region, especially around City Hall," the administrative executive said. "But it was so frustrating, I went from Basement 1 to Level 5, checking menus non-stop. I was exhausted. I just wanted a simple meal, but I couldn't find anything that was purely gluten-free. Eventually, I broke down in public." Beyond the physical toll, having allergies in Singapore can result in social and cultural isolation. Human resources director Julie Lee, 54, said there were times at previous workplaces where she felt left out and "not welcome" because of her allergies. Ms Lee has eczema that is exacerbated by various allergens, including beef, prawns, dairy, alcohol and nuts. "One of them (a colleague) said to me: 'It's hard to include you because of the kind of food you want to eat. You're so different and we have to cater to you'." When travelling for work, Ms Lee often informs organisers about her food allergies in advance of group dinners. However, her dietary requirements are sometimes oversimplified or ignored, and they simply order vegetarian food for her. "But I'm not a vegetarian. I can eat pork, chicken or fish. I just need them to understand my specific allergies," she said. For those living with allergies, there are times when even loved ones fail to recognise the seriousness of their condition. Ms Teo said that her godmother once tried to sneak in peanut oil in one of the dishes she was cooking, hoping that gradual exposure might cause the allergy to go away. "I remember feeling extremely hurt," Ms Teo said, likening it to how some people would often dismiss mental health conditions by not taking them seriously. However, not all allergy sufferers face negative experiences. One standout experience for Mr Shih was at Jumbo Seafood restaurant, known for its iconic chilli crab, a favourite dish of his. While the dish typically contains gluten, a staff member offered to make it gluten-free for him, because the chef was well-versed in preparing dishes for customers on gluten-free diets. "It was awesome. I got to enjoy the dish with my friends. It was a really pleasant experience." Ms Ainul Razib, in her late 20s and who works in the technology sector, has a peanut allergy and eczema. She said she initially felt left out because she couldn't enjoy dishes central to her cultural identity, such as nasi lemak and satay, due to the risk of cross-contamination or the use of peanut oil in cooking. "From a cultural perspective, when you're not able to eat foods that are quintessential of your cultural identity, it feels like you can't relate." All her family members love satay and they now make it a point to double-check whether it has been prepared with peanut oil, as a show of support and care. "I hope people will be more open to those of us who have allergies, and to know that we have to avoid things that you might love not because we want to offend you, but simply because we cannot eat those items," she added. Ms Rae Teo the civil servant said that some of her close friends take her allergies seriously, maintaining a list of "Rae-friendly" eateries and proactively shortlisting places where she can dine, relieving her of the constant burden of deciding where to eat. "It's already difficult enough, having to think about every meal in such a way," she added. "So if you could take some of the mental burden away, or also assure your friends with allergies, that it is not a burden, it's just another form of care. I think that's something that I will appreciate, or I think people with allergies will appreciate."
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Supernanny star Jo Frost reveals she's battling ‘life threatening medical condition' in emotional new video
SUPERNANNY star Jo Frost has opened up a "life threatening" medical condition that has previously left her "hospitalised". In an emotional new video, the TV personality revealed she has said anaphylaxis, as she urged others to be more compassionate toward those battling the condition. 5 5 5 "I've survived more anaphylactic shocks than I'm prepared to go into detail about right now," the 55-year-old shared. "I have anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical condition to certain foods that will compromise my body so horrifically to the point of hospitalization," she added. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that happens very quickly in response to food, medicine or insect stings. Most people associate it with a swollen throat, difficulty breathing, an itchy rash and even fainting. Jo spoke about her own experience with the condition in a bid to raise awareness for others and to stress the seriousness of it. "Absolute millions of my community around the world, children and adults, live cautiously and anxiously navigating this journey with not nearly enough compassion, education and empathy from those who do not," she continued. "Today, everyone will know someone or someone who knows of one with anaphylaxis. "If you ignore the severity of this medical condition, it's as bad as shoving a loaded gun in my face. "I did not ask for it, and it does not define who I am and the impact that I make in the world daily." The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis + what to do SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with with the offending food or trigger, but they can also come on up to one hour later. Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life threatening. In some cases, anaphylaxis symptoms lead to collapse and unconsciousness and, on rare occasions, can be fatal so it's important to know how to recognise them and act quickly. Mild to moderate symptoms include: Itchy mouth, tongue and throat Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face Red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria) Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea Runny nose and sneezing Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include: Swelling of your throat and tongue Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing Feeling tired or confused Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting Skin that feels cold to the touch Blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet Anaphylaxis and its symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency. Follow these steps if you think you or someone you're with is having an anaphylactic reaction: Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector. Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you're having an anaphylactic reaction. Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you're struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you're pregnant, lie on your left side). If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it's still in the skin. If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a second adrenaline auto-injector. Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better. Sources: Allergy UK, NHS The TV nanny and author explained that it is a daily battle and she has to be constantly vigilant when it comes to what she eats. "But it does impact how I live my life daily, like the precautions I take, the energy I have to use to discern with hypervigilance," she shared. Jo also criticised restaurants who fail to pay attention to the dangers of the condition. "By the way, I speak on behalf of those who also have celiac disease, too, because we are all not faddy eaters. I'm not looking to be treated special, I'm looking to be treated with the same dignity and attentiveness as you just showed others," she went on to say. She also hit out at people who have "passive-aggressive" comments because they don't understand it. Jo added: "Get curious and learn more, because really, as mentioned before, we all know someone." The parenting guru, who found fame through Channel 4 show Supernanny in 2004, has helped hundreds of parents over the years. And despite her iconic show ending in 2008, she has remained an authority on parenting ever since - and often shares tips, tricks and advice on her Instagram page where she boasts more than 600,000 followers.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Supernanny Jo Frost reveals anaphylaxis diagnosis
Supernanny star Jo Frost has revealed she suffers from "life-threatening" anaphylaxis. The British reality TV star announced her medical condition in a video posted to her Instagram over the weekend. "I've survived more anaphylactic shocks than I'm prepared to go into detail about right now," Frost began in the clip shared with fans. "I have anaphylaxis, a life-threatening medical condition to certain foods that will compromise my body so horrifically to the point of hospitalisation." "Absolute millions of my community around the world, children and adults, live cautiously and anxiously navigating this journey with not nearly enough compassion, education and empathy from those who do not," she claimed. "Today, everyone will know someone or someone who knows of one with anaphylaxis," Frost continued. "If you ignore the severity of this medical condition, it's as bad as shoving a loaded gun in my face." The parenting expert expressed that she is "unapologetic" about her health struggle. "I did not ask for it, and it does not define who I am and the impact that I make in the world daily," she said. "But it does impact how I live my life daily, like the precautions I take, the energy I have to use to discern with hypervigilance." She also asked that people educate themselves on the condition, as she doesn't want any "mumbling insults" from "ignorant" people. Frost is best known for the UK reality television programme Supernanny UK, in which she starred from 2004 to 2008. She has since branched off into several other reality shows worldwide.
