It seems like allergies affect so many children these days. In fact, our home town of Melbourne is sometimes called the allergy capital of the world.

So what really is an allergy, how does it show up, and what is anaphylaxis?

And what does it all mean for children with an allergy?

To answer these questions and more, we're joined by Dr Joanne Smart, Director of Allergy and Immunology at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

Looking for more information? We've collected some online resources here:

RCH Kids Health Info Fact Sheets

Allergic and Anaphylactic Reactions

Hives

Hay fever

Peanut and tree nut allergy

RCH Department of Allergy and Immunology Parent information sheets

Information from The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

Egg allergy

Cows milk allergy

Action Plans

How to give EpiPen

How to give Anapen

Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia: Schooling and Childcare