Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something youre allergic to. It can be caused by a variety of triggers, including food, medicine, insect stings, and exercise. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, hives or swelling, and feeling faint or dizzy. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical treatment, including a prompt injection of epinephrine and a trip to a hospital emergency room. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can be fatal. People who have had a severe allergic reaction in the past are at risk for future reactions, and should carry self-injectable epinephrine if they are at risk. The best way to manage anaphylaxis is to avoid allergens that trigger allergic reactions, and to be prepared for an emergency. If you think you or someone else is having an anaphylactic reaction, use an adrenaline auto-injector if available, call 911 immediately, and lie down.