Anaphylactic Reaction

The anaphylactic reaction, or anaphylaxis, is a severe, rapidly appearing allergic reaction that affects the whole body and can be life-threatening if it is not treated promptly.

Common causes: It is usually triggered by foods, insect stings, medications, or contact with substances to which the person is allergic.

Common symptoms: It may present with hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, a drop in blood pressure, and a sense that something is very wrong, within a matter of minutes.

When to see a doctor? When these signs appear, it is an emergency that requires immediate medical care.

Which specialist treats it? The emergency physician handles the acute event, and the allergist and immunologist help afterward to identify the trigger. If you have had a reaction like this, it is advisable to study it with these professionals.