Investigations into anaphylaxis deaths should become mandatory, charity urges

The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation is urging for mandatory inquests into all deaths caused by anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. This call follows a study revealing a lack of comprehensive data tracking anaphylaxis fatalities in England and Wales, hindering life-saving analysis. The charity also advocates for national reporting of near-fatal reactions and the appointment of an "allergy tsar." Current inquests, which investigate sudden or unexplained deaths, have only resulted in the equivalent of two Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) reports annually for anaphylaxis, despite the study estimating that every death during the analyzed period was preventable. These PFDs, meant to prompt action from relevant organizations, have a low response rate, with only 45% of those issued after anaphylaxis deaths receiving a reply. Children aged 10 to 17 are identified as being at the highest risk, and hospital admissions for severe allergic reactions have tripled in the last two decades. Researchers highlight that coroners repeatedly raise the same concerns in PFDs, yet no substantial action is taken. The proposed solutions include mandatory coroner examination of all anaphylaxis deaths, a new national reporting system for all anaphylactic events, a national database for investigated deaths, and the appointment of an allergy tsar. The foundation, established by the parents of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who died from anaphylaxi... download the app to read more