Anaphylaxis - Allergic Shock

Definition: Anaphylaxis is the medical term for allergic shock. It most often occurs in response to contact with allergens from stinging insects or certain foods, such as tree nuts or peanuts.

Studies have shown that anaphylaxis is more likely to occur in people who have asthma.

Allergic shock is a reaction that affects your whole body, and can range from mild to life-threatening. Five hundred to 1,000 people die every year in the United States from allergic shock, so it's not something to take lightly. Early symptoms that you are going into allergic shock include:

• feeling flushed
• sneezing
• itching
• hives
• nasal congestion
• watery red eyes

However, these symptoms can quickly progress along the following path:

1. difficulty breathing
2. swelling of the throat and tongue, which is sometimes associated with
3. nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
4. blood pressure may drop, followed by
5. fainting or loss of consciousness
6. shock
7. death

Fast treatment can stop this progression. So if you notice any of the symptoms outlined above, seek treatment immediately. It's also a good idea to carry injectable epinephrine if you know you have allergic shock reactions, or if you have both asthma and a food allergy.

_Sources:

American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology. Anaphylaxis. January 2007. <http://www.acaai.org/public/advice/anaph.htm>.

Harvard Health Publications. What To Do About Allergies. 2007.
<http://www.health.harvard.edu/special_health_reports/What_to_do_about_Allergies.htm>.

Pronunciation: ann-ah-fih-LACK-siss

Also Known As: allergic shock, anaphylactic shock