Facing the Allergy Crisis Through Education and Prevention

BARCELONA, Spain, June 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Allergy is a public health problem of pandemic proportions that affects more than 150 million people in Europe, where it is one of the most common chronic diseases. It is predicted that this number will increase within 10 years by 50%.

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Since June 2014, European Academy for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) raises awareness for the burden of allergies through its Beware of Allergy Campaign, addressing Asthma, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis, and Allergic Rhinitis, together with allergy targeted treatment based on Allergen Immunotherapy. The online campaign generated a total of 53 million impressions with almost 170,000 clicks in its first two waves.

More than 20 organisations from all around Europe endorse the campaign, including European National Allergy Societies, Patients Organisations and community pharmacists (The Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union).

In addition to this pan-European Allergy Awareness campaign EAACI will organise two activities during its annual congress in Barcelona (6-11 June) to inform the general public about allergy: Anaphylaxis School and Beat Allergy Run & Walk.

Together with the Spanish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC), the Spanish Pediatric Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (SEICAP) and the patients organisations AEPNAA and Immunitas Vera, EAACI will set up an "Anaphylaxis School" on 6 June 2015 in Plaza de la Universidad. The event has the format of a classroom with a corner for younger children to play in, while parents and older children can learn more about anaphylactic symptoms, how to use an autoinjector and how to prevent anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction triggered by foods, insect stings, some medicines and latex. If it is not treated in time, it can be fatal. Prompt adrenaline administration may be lifesaving. In the past 10 years, the number of hospitalisations caused by anaphylaxis has increased 7 fold.

More knowledge on allergic diseases will help to identify preventive measures, allow more scientific research and increase standardisation in patient care. To bring the burden of allergy to the attention of the people in Barcelona, the public together with participants of the EAACI Congress are invited to participate in the Beat Allergy Run & Walk on Sunday 7 June, starting at 20.00 at the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona. Registration is required either online or directly on-site.

Full press release: https://hkstrategies.egnyte.com/fl/pN1HnM1f9o