anaphylactic shock
Meaning of anaphylactic shock: Anaphylactic shock is a severe, rapidly developing allergic reaction that can cause airway swelling, a sharp blood pressure drop, and circulatory collapse.
Definition of anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that develops rapidly after exposure to a substance the immune system has previously encountered and identified as a threat, called an allergen. The immune system's exaggerated response releases chemical mediators throughout the body, producing widespread effects rather than a limited, local reaction.
Common features include hives and itching, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, and a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure that can lead to collapse of the circulatory system. Because these effects can progress within minutes, anaphylactic shock is considered a medical emergency.
Common triggers include certain foods, insect stings, medications, and latex, though the specific trigger varies between individuals and is not always identified. The condition is distinguished from milder allergic reactions by its rapid onset and the involvement of multiple body systems at once, particularly the airway and circulation.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
The patient developed anaphylactic shock shortly after the sting and required immediate emergency treatment.
Good to know
Anaphylactic shock is distinguished from a milder allergic reaction by its rapid onset and involvement of the airway and circulation together, rather than a reaction confined to the skin alone.
Word origin
Where “anaphylactic shock” comes from
Formed from Greek ana-, meaning back or against, and phylaxis, meaning protection, together describing a reaction that runs counter to the protection the immune system normally provides.