From Rod Brouhard,
Your Guide to First Aid.
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Definition: Severe, often life threatening, generalized allergic reaction.

Unlike a typical allergic reaction, which is generally limited to one body part of system, such as the skin, anaphylaxis affects more than one body system. Most often, anaphylaxis affects the circulatory system, respiratory system and the skin.

It can be hard to distinguish allergies from other conditions; allergies affecting only the respiratory system may be life threatening and often look much like severe asthma.

For more information on treating and recognizing anaphylaxis, see Anaphylaxis First Aid.

Pronunciation: an-ah-fill-ax-iss

Also Known As: anaphylaxis is commonly called anaphylactic shock