MP backs nut allergy campaign
LIBERAL Democrat politician Jo Swinson has backed a campaign to raise awareness of the potentially deadly condition anaphylaxis after she nearly died from eating nuts.
The East Dunbartonshire MP will today take part in an event to highlight the dangers of the condition, organised by Glasgow-based charity St Andrew’s First Aid.
Ms Swinson, who has a severe allergy to nuts, fell ill after eating homebaking at a charity cake sale in Bishopbriggs earlier this month.
The 33-year-old, who is parliamentary ai de to LibDem leader Nick Clegg, was forced to use an Epipen injection which she carries with her after sampling the crispy cake at the event on May 4.
She them attended the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow for treatment and later thanked medics for keeping her alive.
Ms Swinson said: “I have lived with a nut allergy from a very young age and I am aware of how dangerous they can be.
“Anaphylaxis developed when I was in my late teens.
“In this particular incident I ate a crispy cake which I thought was chocolate and coconut but it turned out there were nuts in it.”
The MP added: “I have had attacks before but they tend to be when abroad where the language barrier means you don’t always get the same assurances about what is in food.”
Ms Swinson stressed the importance of carrying the Epipen, which contains of dose of adrenaline to reverse the life-threatening effects.
Jim Dorman, operations director at the charity, said: “Most people who suffer from anaphylaxis will be aware of the triggers – nuts, shellfish, latex, bee sting.
“But there are some who will not be aware they are allergic because, for example, they have never been stung by a bee.”