What are the signs of anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. The signs of anaphylaxis typically include symptoms that affect multiple body systems, prominently featuring swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing.

Swelling, also known as angioedema, often occurs in the face, throat, or tongue, which can lead to serious complications with breathing. Hives, or urticaria, are raised, itchy welts that may appear on the skin as part of the immune response. Difficulty breathing arises as the airways constrict, leading to wheezing or stridor and sometimes a complete obstruction.

Recognizing these symptoms promptly is critical because anaphylaxis can escalate quickly, and administering epinephrine is often necessary to counteract the reaction. In contrast, the other options include symptoms that are generally associated with less severe allergic reactions or other medical conditions, which do not encompass the typical and immediate indicators of anaphylaxis.