Anaphylaxis
(Severe Allergic Reaction)

Revising Medical Author: Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP
Revising Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• Introduction to anaphylaxis
• What does anaphylaxis mean?
• How common is anaphylaxis?
• What are common causes of anaphylaxis?
• What are the signs of anaphylaxis?
• What are anaphylaxis symptoms?
• What happens after the symptoms begin?
• Are there any disorders that appear similar to anaphylaxis?
• How is anaphylaxis diagnosed?
• How do we manage anaphylaxis?
• What are emergency measures for anaphylaxis?
• Can anaphylaxis be prevented?
• Anaphylaxis At A Glance
• Related anaphylaxis articles:
  Anaphylaxis - on WebMD

Introduction to anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis refers to a rapidly developing and serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time. Severe anaphylactic reactions can be fatal. Most people experience allergy symptoms only as a minor annoyance. However, a small number of people are susceptible to a reaction that can lead to shock or even death.

Anaphylaxis is often triggered by substances that are injected or ingested and thereby gain access into the blood stream. An explosive reaction involving the skin, lungs, nose, throat, and gastrointestinal tract can then result. Although severe cases of anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure and be fatal if untreated, many reactions are milder and can be ended with prompt medical therapy.

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