Anaphylaxis and Its Pathophysiology

A life-threatening allergic reaction that affects the airway, breathing, circulation, and may cause skin symptoms.

A substance that triggers an allergic reaction in a sensitive individual.

An immune system protein produced by B-lymphocytes in response to allergens.

Specialized immune cells that protect against harmful substances and are involved in allergic reactions.

The process of releasing chemical mediators from mast cells and other immune cells.

A chemical mediator released during anaphylaxis that triggers systemic responses, contributing to vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, and increased vascular permeability.

A chemical mediator released from platelets and basophils during anaphylaxis, leading to increased vascular permeability and endothelial damage.

The leakage of fluid from blood vessels into surrounding tissues, contributing to swelling and edema.

A chemical mediator produced by mast cells during inflammation, contributing to both bronchoconstriction and vasodilation.

White blood cells found in bone marrow that are involved in fighting infections and toxins, and can also be involved in allergic reactions.

A localized or generalized skin reaction characterized by red, itchy bumps and welts.

Swelling beneath the skin surface.

Increased respiratory effort, often observed in anaphylaxis, characterized by rapid breathing, decreased oxygen saturation, and use of chest muscles for breathing.

A localized reaction to an allergen that does not affect vital signs.

Anaphylaxis characterized by mild to moderate reactions involving the skin or gastrointestinal tract.

Anaphylaxis characterized by severe reactions affecting the respiratory or cardiovascular systems.

Anaphylaxis with respiratory and/or cardiovascular arrest, potentially life-threatening.

An adverse reaction to a substance, often a food group, that does not involve an immune response. Symptoms may include digestive upset, headaches, and skin reactions, but are not life-threatening.

A reaction to a substance involving an immune response, often leading to rapid and severe symptoms. It can be life-threatening.

The hormone released by the adrenal glands, used to treat anaphylaxis, acting on both the alpha and beta receptors.

Effects of adrenaline on the heart, increasing contractility and heart rate, leading to increased blood pressure.

Effects of adrenaline on blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction, leading to increased blood pressure.

A medical condition where two doses of intramuscular adrenaline have been administered, but respiratory and cardiovascular issues persist.

The force required to pump blood from the heart, measured in liters per minute.

The resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels, contributing to blood pressure.

A measure of the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries.

The widening of blood vessels, often occurring in anaphylaxis, leading to decreased blood pressure.

The tendency to breathe quickly, often observed in anaphylaxis, due to airway narrowing.

A decrease in the oxygen level in the blood, also observed in anaphylaxis, indicating reduced oxygen intake.

The use of chest muscles for breathing, which is not typically required in normal breathing, often observed in anaphylaxis during respiratory distress.

The airway narrowing, often occurring in anaphylaxis, leading to difficulty breathing.

The production of excess mucus in the airway, often occurring in anaphylaxis, contributing to airway obstruction.

The cells lining the respiratory tract that produce and secrete mucus.