|
|
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).(Causes and Treatment)(Disease/Disorder overview)
- Article from:
- Clinical Reference Systems
- Article date:
- January 1, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that may occur when you come into contact with something you are allergic to (called an allergen). Symptoms of the reaction usually start within minutes to an hour or two after contact with the allergen. In rare cases, symptoms may occur up to 4 hours later. Examples of substances that can cause some people to have a severe allergic reaction are penicillin and bee stings.
How does it occur?
If you have a severe allergy to a substance, contact with that allergen causes your blood vessels to leak fluid into the area around them. As a result, your blood pressure may drop suddenly. ...