A government minister who had a brush with death when she inadvertently ate nuts has backed calls for anaphylaxis help points in pharmacies.
UK Equalities Minister Jo Swinson went into anaphylactic shock (a serious allergic reaction) at a charity cake sale earlier this year when she unwittingly began eating a biscuit that contained nuts.
Trade organisation Community Pharmacy Scotland has invited its 1,250 affiliated pharmacies to provide trained emergency anaphylaxis relief, with over half already on board.
Pharmacies which provide the service will display an orange cross in their windows, signifying that emergency anaphylaxis treatment is available.
Ms Swinson, Liberal Democrat MP for East Dunbartonshire, said: "I was immensely grateful for the prompt and excellent medical treatment I received at Glasgow's Southern General Hospital when I had to use my adrenaline injector.
"Anaphylaxis is an extreme and severe allergic reaction which can affect the whole body within minutes, though sometimes it takes hours. It's always important for those with severe allergies to have an adrenalin injector with them, either an EpiPen or Jext, both of which you can get with a prescription here in Scotland.
"I wholeheartedly support the Community Pharmacy Scotland campaign and their work to improve access to emergency treatment. I would encourage pharmacists, and anyone else for that matter, to spread the message of the importance of giving adrenalin and calling an ambulance as soon as possible after someone reacts."
Martin Green, chairman of Community Pharmacy Scotland, said: "Jo's own case was very high profile and brought what is a very real, and for those affected a very terrifying, issue to light.
"Those who suffer from some of these serious allergies, for example to nuts, shellfish, or insect bites and stings, know that an attack can be lethal and getting help quickly is essential.
"We have been engaging with our members and with anaphylaxis and allergy charities to see what we might helpfully do to help raise awareness and to provide greater access to emergency treatment.
"That is why we have asked our members to sign up to providing emergency anaphylaxis treatment, and more than half have already committed.
"In future, wherever a pharmacy displays an orange anaphylaxis treatment cross, people will know they can get trained help. That means that throughout Scotland's cities, towns and villages, hundreds of community pharmacies will be geared up to help in an emergency."
Anaphylactic shock is treated by an adrenaline injection when serious symptoms are experienced by an individual.
Around 20 to 30 deaths occur from anaphylaxis every year. Half-a-million people have had a venom-induced anaphylactic reaction, while 220,000 have had a nut anaphylaxis.
Food allergy is more common in children. Medical product or venom allergy is more common in adults.
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