Anaphylaxis

What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is the most severe type of allergic reaction. It is a systemic allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis may start by swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips, skin and eyelids. In serious cases, an anaphylactic episode progresses to vomiting, wheezing, breathing difficulties and even cardiovascular collapse. If not treated promptly, anaphylactic reactions may be fatal.

Ninety percent of anaphylactic reactions are triggered by foods, but wasp or bee stings, drugs or latex can also cause this acute and potentially life-threatening reaction.