What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is defined as an extreme allergic reaction that can occur suddenly and is potentially life-threatening. This severe response typically involves the entire body and can affect multiple systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, a rapid drop in blood pressure, and even loss of consciousness. It is critical to recognize anaphylaxis quickly and treat it immediately, often with the administration of epinephrine, to prevent serious complications or death.

In contrast to other types of allergic reactions, such as chronic or mild reactions, anaphylaxis is characterized by its rapid onset and the severity of symptoms. Chronic allergic reactions can lead to ongoing symptoms over time but do not present with the immediate danger that anaphylaxis does. Mild allergic reactions typically involve minor symptoms like itching or a rash and do not escalate to the extreme level seen in anaphylaxis. Additionally, while allergic reactions to food may be common, not all food reactions are anaphylactic; anaphylaxis specifically refers to the most severe form of an allergic response.