Health Topics
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/anaphylaxis.html
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
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Anaphylaxis (National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Knowledge mapping and global trends of drug hypersensitivity from 2013 to...
- Article: A retrospective audit of adult and paediatric anaphylaxis management from two...
- Article: Detecting epinephrine auto-injector shortages in Finland 2016-2022: Log-data analysis of online...
- Anaphylaxis -- see more articles
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.