Anaphylactic shock causes the sudden onset of severe symptoms that may involve different parts of the body. These symptoms can include hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest tightness, diarrhea, light-headedness, palpitations, throat swelling, wheezing, nausea or vomiting, swelling of the eyes or face, and nasal congestion, anxiety, and pale color.
Anaphylaxis can produce severe symptoms in as little as five to fifteen minutes, although life-threatening reactions may progress over hours. Signs of such a reaction include: difficulty breathing, feeling of impending doom, swelling of the mouth and throat, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. The sooner anaphylaxis is treated, the greater the chance of surviving. The episode should involve a trip to the emergency room, even if symptoms seem to subside on their own.
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Signals of anaphylaxis include:
- A rash
- Tightness in the chest and throat
- Swelling of the face, neck and tongue
- Dizziness or confusion
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency.
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