ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK Definition & Meaning

anaphylactic shock

noun

Pathology. a severe and sometimes fatal allergic reaction to a foreign substance, especially a protein, as serum or bee venom, to which an individual has become sensitized, often involving rapid swelling, acute respiratory distress, and collapse of circulation. Compare cardiogenic shock ( def ), hypovolemic shock ( def ).

anaphylactic shock

noun

a severe, sometimes fatal, reaction to a substance to which a person has an extreme sensitivity, often involving respiratory difficulty and circulation failure

anaphylactic shock

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A sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction, characterized by dilation of blood vessels with a sharp drop in blood pressure and bronchial spasm with shortness of breath. Anaphylactic shock is caused by exposure to a foreign substance, such as a drug or bee venom, to which the individual has been previously exposed. The substances act as antigens, provoking a preliminary immune response during the first exposure that results in a full-blown, immediate response during secondary exposure, called an immediate hypersensitivity reaction. Emergency treatment, including epinephrine injections, must be administered to prevent death.
Also called anaphylaxis

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of anaphylactic shock¹

First recorded in 1905–10

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Compare Meanings

How does anaphylactic shock compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

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A two-year-old has allergies so severe that her parents have to get her to try new food in hospital car parks in case she goes into anaphylactic shock.

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The 53-year-old began to recognise the symptoms of anaphylactic shock, as staff at her school had been trained to spot them and to use an adrenalin pen in emergencies.

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In Singapore, asthma affects one in five children while food allergies are already the leading cause of anaphylactic shock.

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Finally, they ended up injecting him with adrenaline, which is used in emergencies to treat anaphylactic shock.

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Although most grow out of it, for some it becomes a life-long challenge to avoid all foods that include milk, especially when the allergic reactions are severe and include anaphylactic shock.

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