What is “Anaphylaxis”?
Technically, it is when an allergic reaction (caused by the body’s immune system) comes on suddenly and affects several parts of the body, sometimes in a severe and progressive way.

 

How does anaphylaxis happen?
For reasons that scientists do not understand completely, the immune system (the part of the body responsible for fighting infections) sometimes works “overtime” and “attacks” otherwise harmless proteins that we come in contact with.

 

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?
Symptoms almost always start within minutes after an exposure, although a delay of up to an hour or more is possible.  Symptoms can affect the skin (swelling, hives/welts, itchiness, redness), gut (itchy mouth, stomach ache, nausea vomiting, diarrhea), throat and breathing (hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, throat closing, trouble breathing, wheezing, repetitive coughing), and circulation (paleness, dizziness, passing out, low blood pressure, loss of pulse).  A “feeling of impending doom” is often described.  Women may experience uterine contractions.  Mild symptoms without additional parts of the body being affected are usually not thought of as life-threatening anaphylaxis (skin symptoms alone, itchy mouth alone, stomach aches alone).  Sometimes a reaction will subside and then start up again 1 to 3 hours later.