Severe Allergic Reaction Symptoms

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary. In some people, the reaction begins very slowly, but in most the symptoms appear rapidly and abruptly.

• The most severe and life-threatening symptoms are difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.
  
  
  • Difficulty breathing is due to swelling and/or spasm in the airways (which can include swelling of the tongue or the airways). In very rare cases, breathing can stop altogether.
    
    
  • Loss of consciousness is due to dangerously low blood pressure, which is called "shock."
    
    
  • In the most serious cases, the heart can stop pumping altogether.
    
    
  • These events can lead to death from anaphylaxis.
    
    
• While some symptoms are life threatening, others are merely uncomfortable. Generally, a reaction must involve at least two different body systems, such as skin and heart, to be considered anaphylaxis.
  
  
  • Skin: Most anaphylactic reactions involve the skin.
    
    
    • Hives, welts, or wheals (raised bumps): Hives can cause severe itching
      
      
    • Generalized erythema (redness)
      
      
    • Swelling in the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, and feet
      
      
  • Breathing: Swelling of the surrounding tissues narrows the airways.
    
    
    • Difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness
      
      
    • Coughing, hoarseness
      
      
    • Nasal congestion, sneezing
      
      
  • Cardiovascular: Blood pressure may drop to dangerously low levels.
    
    
    • Rapid or irregular heart beat
      
      
    • Dizziness, faintness
      
      
    • Loss of consciousness, collapse
      
      
  • General
    
    
    • Tingling or sensation of warmth - Often the first symptom
      
      
    • Difficulty swallowing
      
      
    • Nausea, vomiting
      
      
    • Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating
      
      
    • Anxiety, fear, feeling that you are going to die
      
      
    • Confusion