MORE than 70 people squeezed into Mittagong preschool last week as medical professionals alerted parents and child-carers about allergies.

With the recent death of a peanut allergic child in Australia, the awareness of food allergies, especially the acute anaphylaxis, has skyrocketed.

In many cases though, awareness has been plagued with misunderstandings leading Mittagong preschool to stage the sell-out allergy information night.

Headlining the night was renowned immunologist Dr Alex Lozynsky, who calmed concerns of parents as he defined childhood anaphylaxis from allergies.

Mittagong preschool president and organiser of the night, Elizabeth Watson, said Dr Lozynsky's overview not only dispelled many misunderstandings, it highlighted various ways in which child-carers could pro-actively arrest allergies.

"I thought that I had a plan for my peanut allergic child, but I realised that I haven't really been doing enough," Mrs Watson said.

As the meeting turned to focus on allergy management, parents like Mrs Watson were provided with scenarios and ways to effectively deal with potential dangers.

Having first hand experience, Food Anaphylactic Children Training Support (FACTS) national president, Maria Said, pointed out that anaphylactic sufferers need a contingency plan in every environment they find themselves in, expressly at school.

"My son is peanut and latex allergic," Ms Said explained, "so when he first blew up a balloon, almost immediately, he blew up himself."

Although Ms Said's experience is not unique for parents of anaphylactic children, the information provided by FACTS proved valuable for everyone in attendance.

Mittagong preschool was congratulated for spearheading the awareness campaign for child-carers, which is hoped to lead to even greater awareness in schools and at home for allergy sufferers.

As part of this awareness program a support group is now being formed.

For those interested contact Elizabeth Watson on 0416 061 222.

For general information on allergies call the free number 1300 662 250.