Summary
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction. It can begin very quickly, and symptoms may be life-threatening. The most common causes are reactions to foods (especially peanuts), medications, and stinging insects. Other causes include exercise and exposure to latex. Sometimes no cause can be found.
It can affect many organs:
- Skin - itching, hives, redness, swelling
- Nose - sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose
- Mouth - itching, swelling of the lips or tongue
- Throat - itching, tightness, trouble swallowing, swelling of the back of the throat
- Chest - shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness
- Heart - weak pulse, passing out, shock
- Gastrointestinal tract - vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
- Nervous system - dizziness or fainting
If someone is having a serious allergic reaction, call 911. If an auto-injector is available, give the person the injection right away.
Learn More
- Anaphylaxis (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
- Anaphylaxis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Anaphylaxis (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)
- Anaphylaxis (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology) Also in Spanish
- Anaphylaxis-Like Reactions (National Jewish Health)
- Anaphylaxis: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
- Serious Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Anaphylaxis
(National Institutes of Health)