The number of people in the United Kingdom at risk from severe and fatal allergic reactions has increased sharply every year for the past 15 years, according to new National Health Service (NHS) figures. The number of adults developing potentially lethal new allergies for the first time has also accelerated dramatically.

The figures reveal an unprecedented year-on-year increase in the number of prescriptions issued to those at risk of the most serious allergic reaction, known as anaphylactic shock. The most common triggers are allergies to eggs, nuts, fish, dairy products, fruit and vegetables, and latex. Potentially fatal reactions to insect stings are also increasingly common, as are dramatically adverse reactions to drugs and medication.

New research obtained by the Observer from the NHS Information Center reveals the number of emergency adrenaline injectors issued by doctors to combat severe allergies rose by 112% in 2008. The tables show that a record 211,040 injectors were issued, compared with 101,032 in 2003 and just 25,320 in 1995 - a rise of more than 700% in 13 years.

Although the number of prescriptions has accelerated to a record high, there has also been an increase of more than a quarter in the number of emergency hospital admissions of people suffering anaphylactic shock.

Experts say that a large proportion of these admissions involving "new onset" patients, who are experiencing a severe reaction to a food, medication or drug with which they have never previously had a problem, or never come into contact before.

Pam Ewan, a consultant allergist at Addenbrooke's hospital in ­Cambridge, and a member of the National Allergy Strategy Group, said: "The rise in numbers is to do with a raised general awareness of allergies, but we are, as a population, becoming more allergic overall.