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Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction)
A rapid, severe, whole-body allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulty and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It is a life-threatening emergency.
Causes & risk factors
- Foods (nuts, shellfish, milk, egg)
- Insect stings
- Medicines
- Latex
- Sometimes no identified trigger
Common symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing or throat tightness
- Widespread hives or rash
- Swelling of lips, tongue or face
- Dizziness or collapse
- Vomiting
Tests & diagnosis
- Diagnosed clinically — treat first, test later
- Serum tryptase (after the event)
- Allergy testing later
Treatment & management
- Call your local emergency number immediately
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector without delay if available
- Lie the person down with legs raised (or sit up if breathing is hard)
- A second adrenaline dose may be needed if no improvement
- Hospital observation, as symptoms can return
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call your local emergency number now for breathing difficulty or collapse after exposure
- Use an adrenaline pen straight away if prescribed — do not wait
- Always go to hospital even if symptoms improve, as they can rebound
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
When should adrenaline be given?
Immediately at the first sign of a severe reaction — early adrenaline saves lives, and delay is dangerous.
Can symptoms come back after treatment?
Yes — reactions can return hours later, which is why hospital observation is important.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.