Anaphylaxis

      Anaphylaxis is a rapidly progressing, life-threat­ening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a type of allergic reaction, in which the immune system responds to otherwise harmless substances from the environment. Unlike other al­lergic reactions, however, anaphylaxis can kill. Reaction may begin within minutes or even seconds of exposure, and rapidly progress to cause airway constriction, skin and intestinal ir­ritation, and altered heart rhythms. In severe cases, it can result in complete airway obstruction, shock, and death.