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Shock
Shock
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis
Hives
Hives
Food allergies
Food allergies
Insect stings and allergy
Insect stings and allergy
Allergic reactions to medication
Allergic reactions to medication
Antibodies
Antibodies


Anaphylaxis

Alternative Names:
Anaphylactic reaction; Anaphylactic shock; Shock - anaphylactic

Symptoms:

Symptoms develop rapidly, often within seconds or minutes. They may include the following:



Signs and tests:

Examination of the skin may show hives and swelling of the eyes or face. The skin may be blue from lack of oxygen or may be pale from shock. Angioedema in the throat may be severe enough to block the airway.

Listening to the lungs with a stethoscope may reveal wheezing or indicate fluid (pulmonary edema). The pulse is rapid, and blood pressure may be low. Weakness, pale skin, heart arrhythmias, mental confusion, and other signs may indicate shock.

Testing for the specific allergen that caused anaphylaxis (if the cause is not obvious) is postponed until after treatment.




Review Date: 5/3/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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