WHAT HAPPENS DURING ANAPHYLAXIS?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing and other serious symptoms throughout the body. If you or someone you’re with is having an anaphylactic reaction, you may see or experience trouble breathing, facial swelling, rapid heartbeat, hives, vomiting, and fainting. These symptoms can come on very quickly, either immediately after contact with an allergen or within a couple of hours. What causes this powerful response? An anaphylactic reaction makes the immune system release a flood of chemicals known as histamines to attack the invading allergen—much more than a normal allergic response. The sudden release makes the body go into shock, causing symptoms like rapidly narrowing airways and a sudden drop in heartrate.

P.S. Anaphylaxis requires an epinephrine injection and can be fatal if not treated immediately, often requiring a trip to the emergency room.

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