Virtual Anatomy - About Anaphylaxis

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary. In some people, the reaction begins very slowly, but in most the symptoms appear rapidly and abruptly.

The most severe and life-threatening symptoms are difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.

- Difficulty breathing is due to swelling and/or spasm in the airways (which can include swelling of the tongue or the airways). In very rare cases, breathing can stop altogether.

- Loss of consciousness is due to dangerously low blood pressure, which is called "shock."

- In the most serious cases, the heart can stop pumping altogether.

- These events can lead to death from anaphylaxis.

While some symptoms are life threatening, others are merely uncomfortable. Generally, a reaction must involve at least two different body systems, such as skin and heart, to be considered anaphylaxis.

Skin: Most anaphylactic reactions involve the skin.
- Hives, welts, or wheals (raised bumps): Hives can cause severe itching
- Generalized erythema (redness)
- Swelling in the face, eyelids,lips , tongue, throat, hands, and feet

Breathing: Swelling of the surrounding tissues narrows the airways.
- Difficulty breathing wheezing, chest tightness
- Coughing, hoarseness
- Nazal congestion, sneezing

Cardiovascular: Blood Pressure may drop to dangerously low levels.
- Rapid or irregular heart beat
- Dizziness, faintness
- Loss of consciousness, collapse

General :
- Tingling or sensation of warmth - Often the first symptom
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating
- Anxiety, fear, feeling that you are going to die
- Confusion