Hives, asthma, or eczema – they’re all very common symptoms of an allergic reaction. When mild, allergies cause irritation and discomfort, yet when severe, they can result in anaphylaxis and even death. Now, health experts at the University of South Australia are calling for a renewed focus on allergy training for nurses to deliver allergy treatments, source reliable evidence-based resources and provide patient education to patients and their families across the health sector.
It’s a timely move ahead of World Allergy Week (23-29 June). Currently, allergic disease affects more than four million Australians, with numbers expected to almost double in the next 20 years. About 40 to 50% of children experience symptoms of an allergic disease in their first four years of life.
Experienced allergy registered nurse and lecturer, UniSA’s Dr Deryn Thompson, says the growing demand for medical services, particularly in relation to allergic disease, is a serious public health issue, as underlined by the National Allergy Council. “With allergies and anaphylaxis on the rise in Australia, it’s crucial for nurses to provide specific and accurate allergy care and education,” Dr Thompson says. “Nurses, especially those in primary healthcare (such as GP nurses) must be able to explain allergies and correct misconceptions about allergies, intolerances and the use of mail-order tests and treatment.
“Nurses can be at the front line of providing evidence-based best practice inform.