What is anaphylaxis?

Serious allergy: Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may even cause death typically the reaction is to a food, drug or hymenoptera (bee like insects) sting. Symptoms include hives, difficult breathing, and shock. Anaphylaxis is treated with Epinephrine injection.

Severe reaction: This is a severe, multi-system allergic reaction. It can be life threatening and you should immediately seek medical attention. During this reaction you can experience throat swelling, difficulty breathing and full body hives. Your blood pressure can become dangerously low. People who are at risk for this typically carry epipens (epinephrine) with them to begin to treat this reaction.

Multi-organ reaction: Anaphylaxis denotes an allergic reaction that involves two or more organ systems. For example, hives+ vomiting (in response to an allergen) = anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic shock describes a situation where the anaphylaxis progressed to the point of organ failure. Prompt use of Epinephrine injectors could avert the progression of anaphylactic reaction toward the shock.

Life-threatening: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction involving several parts of your body. Death occurs in about 1% of episodes caused by suffocation (your windpipe closes off) or shock (your blood pressure falls & your brain doesn't get enough oxygen). Typical symptoms include hives, vomiting, difficulty breathing & a sense of doom. Epinephrine is the drug of choice. Don't be afraid to use it!