Anaphylaxis

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Definition

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Common triggers of anaphylaxis include foods, certain medications, insect venoms and latex.

Your immune system produces antibodies that defend against foreign substances, including allergens. When antibodies attach to these foreign substances, they may release chemicals that can cause allergy signs and symptoms such as watery eyes and a runny nose. Anaphylaxis occurs when your immune system severely reacts to an allergen. The flood of chemicals released in your body during anaphylaxis makes your blood pressure drop suddenly and your bronchial tubes narrow, causing difficulty breathing or even unconsciousness and death. You may have an anaphylactic response within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen such as the venom from a bee sting or an ingested peanut.

Although anaphylaxis is the most dangerous type of allergic reaction, it's also the least common. Fortunately, you can be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to an allergy emergency by knowing the signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction and by carrying emergency medication with you. It's also important to do everything you can to prevent exposure to life-threatening allergens.

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