Anaphylaxis is an acute, life-threatening hypersensitivity
reaction, involving the whole body, which is usually brought on
by something eaten or injected. The term anaphylaxis is often
used only for a severe allergic reaction affecting the whole
body. A second term, non-allergic anaphylaxis, may be used to
describe identical reactions that are not caused by allergy, but
involve other mechanisms in the body. The clinical diagnosis and
management are identical, whatever the cause of the anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that develops rapidly and can
be fatal. A few or all of the following symptoms, often
developing in this order, may be experienced: - Itching of the
lips, tongue and palate, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat
- Swelling of the eyelids, itchy, watery eyes - Generalized
itching, flushing, swelling of the skin, and hives (urticaria) -
Increased heart rate - Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea - Difficulty in breathing due to throat swelling,
wheezing and asthma - A sense