Definition of anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis

/æˌnʌfʌlæˈksɪs/ - [anufulaksis] - an•a•phy•lax•is

We found 6 definitions of anaphylaxis from 5 different sources.

What does anaphylaxis mean?

Noun Plural: anaphylaxis
anaphylaxis - hypersensitivity reaction to the ingestion or injection of a substance (a protein or drug) resulting from prior contact with a substance
		hypersensitivity reaction an inappropriate and excessive reaction to an allergen (as pollen or dust or animal hair or certain foods); severity ranges from mild allergy to severe systemic reactions leading to anaphylactic shock
		drug a substance that is used as a medicine or narcotic

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anaphylaxis (Noun)
Extreme sensitivity to a substance such as a foreign protein or drug.
anaphylaxis (Noun)
A severe and rapid systemic allergic reaction to an allergen, causing a constriction of the trachea, preventing breathing; anaphylactic shock .

anaphylaxis
A rare but life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction. Symptoms may appear quickly and include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or\nother parts of the body, rapid drop in blood pressure, dizzi\nness, or unconsciousness. Anaphylaxis can be triggered by\nfoods, drugs, insect stings, or exertion.\n(source: AIDSinfo)

Anaphylaxis is a severe and fast multi-system allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is triggered by a substance, called an allergen, that the body believes is bad. Very small amounts of allergens can still cause anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe medical emergency, as the airway quickly closes. The brain can not survive more than a few minutes without oxygen. Death within minutes is possible. The most severe type, called "anaphylactic shock", will cause death very quickly if not treated.

Emergency treatment.

Calling for help is very important when dealing with anaphylaxis because medical help is needed immediately. CPR or Rescue breathing may be necessary if the patient stops breathing on their own. Epinephrine should be given to the person right away, because the epinephrine prevents the airway from constricting more and keeps the heart beating. Most people who have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis carry an EpiPen (pictured) or something similar to use in the event of anaphylactic shock. EpiPens contain epinephrine.