Anaphylaxis

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Anaphylaxis
Classification and external resources
Swelling of the face such that the boy is unable to open his eyes. This reaction was due to an allergen exposure.
ICD-10	T78.2
ICD-9	995.0
DiseasesDB	29153
MedlinePlus	000844
eMedicine	med/128
MeSH	D000707

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction. It begins suddenly. In some reactions there is a second wave which happens minutes or even hours after the first. It may cause death.^[1] Anaphylaxis has many symptoms (signs of being sick), such as an itchy rash, throat swelling, breathing problems, and low blood pressure. Common causes include insect bites, foods, and medications.

Anaphylaxis happens when a person eats, breathes in, or ingests an allergen (something they are allergic to). Their immune system over-reacts. It sends out special proteins from inside certain white blood cells. These proteins can start an allergic reaction or make the reaction worse.

Anaphylaxis is diagnosed (found to be sick with something) from a person’s signs and symptoms. The best treatment is an injection (a shot) of epinephrine (adrenaline). Sometimes doctors give other medicines along with epinephrine.

Worldwide, about 0.05–2% of people have anaphylaxis at some point in their lives. Anaphylaxis appears to be getting more common. Half of the people who die of anaphylaxis have had no anaphylactic reaction before.^[2]

1. ↑ Tintinalli, Judith E. 2010. Emergency medicine: a comprehensive study guide. New York: McGraw-Hill, 177–182. ISBN 0-07-148480-9
2. ↑ Bilò, BM; Bonifazi, F (August 2008). "Epidemiology of insect-venom anaphylaxis". Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 8 (4): 330–7. doi:10.1097/ACI.0b013e32830638c5. PMID 18596590. S2CID 28384693.