About 30% of the Australian population will be affected by allergy at some stage in their lives.

Allergy occurs when a person’s immune system, reacts to substances (known as allergens) in the environment which cause an allergic reaction characterised by redness and swelling, also known as inflammation.

An allergic reaction can occur in: the nose or eyes, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or conjunctivitis; in the skin, eczema or hives; or in the lungs, asthma.

Allergy symptoms can vary from mild causing irritation and discomfort to potentially life threatening.