Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction, which can be fatal and must be taken extremely seriously. First aid can help, but an adult having an anaphylactic reaction also needs medical attention.
What is it?
Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction to certain foods, insect stings or drugs, which results in rapid chemical changes in the body.
Symptoms
Blood vessels dilate, producing red, blotchy skin
Air passages become constricted, resulting in breathing difficulties
Face and neck may swell
Heart, brain and lungs may suffer from a dramatic drop in oxygen supply
This article was reviewed by the British Red Cross in April 2007.
Disclaimer
All content within BBC Health is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the BBC Health website. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. See our Links Policy for more
information. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
