Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can develop rapidly. It is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to a harmless substance, known as an allergen. When the immune system overreacts, it releases a number of different chemicals, such as histamine, to deal with the mistaken threat, which can cause the body to go into shock. The most common triggers of anaphylaxis include:

• Foods, especially nuts and shellfish
• Medications, including penicillin and aspirin
• Insect stings
• Latex, found in many disposable gloves, syringes, and adhesive tapes

Symptoms of anaphylaxis can occur suddenly and progress quickly, and may include swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, or noisy breathing, feeling faint or dizzy, and low blood pressure. Anaphylaxis needs to be treated right away with an injection of epinephrine, and if it isn’t treated immediately, it can be deadly. If you or someone else is experiencing anaphylaxis, call 911 for emergency medical help and use an adrenaline auto-injector if available. The best way to prevent anaphylaxis is to avoid triggers and to have a plan to spot and treat symptoms of anaphylaxis right away.