Definition

1. Noun:
   • A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction: Anaphylaxis is a rapid-onset, systemic hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen to which they have been previously sensitized. It involves the release of chemicals that can cause a drop in blood pressure and narrowed airways, making breathing difficult.

Usage

• Medical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in medical and clinical settings to describe this specific type of acute allergic response.
  • The patient went into anaphylaxis after being stung by a bee.
  • Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.

Advanced Usage

• "Anaphylactic shock": A severe and often rapid form of anaphylaxis characterized by a dangerous drop in blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to the body's organs. While "anaphylactic shock" is a related compound term, it describes a critical state within an anaphylactic reaction.
  • The anaphylactic shock required immediate intervention in the emergency room.

Variants and Related Words

• Anaphylactic (adj): Relating to or caused by anaphylaxis.
  • She carries an epinephrine auto-injector due to her anaphylactic allergy to peanuts.

Synonyms

• Severe allergic reaction: A more general, non-technical term for anaphylaxis.
• Hypersensitivity reaction: A broader medical term that includes less severe allergic responses as well as anaphylaxis.

Noun

1. hypersensitivity reaction to the ingestion or injection of a substance (a protein or drug) resulting from prior contact with a substance