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What is Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a type I hypersensitivity reaction .
Asthma is another example of a type I reaction , but asthma is localized to the respiratory region of the body whereas anaphylaxis has effects throughout the organism .
In all type I allergic reactions , sensitization occurs when a substance triggers the immune system to recognize it as a threat to the body .
Almost any substance can induce anaphylaxis , but the most common agents are drugs such as penicillin , foods such as nuts and shellfish , and insect venom .
In some cases anaphylaxis may be precipitated by exercise , and in other cases no cause is known .
Symptoms of Anaphylaxis Symptoms of anaphylaxis include an itching of the scalp and tongue , difficulty in breathing because of swelling or spasm of the bronchi , skin flush of the whole body , an abrupt fall in blood pressure , vomiting or abdominal cramping , and unconsciousness .
In milder cases hives may spread over the whole body , and often there is a severe headache .
The mechanism of anaphylaxis is mediated primarily by antibodies — specifically those of the immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) class .
These antibodies recognize the offending antigen and bind to it .
The IgE antibodies also bind to specialized receptor molecules on mast cells and basophils , causing these cells to release their stores of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine , serotonin , and leukotrienes , which have a number of effects , including constriction of the smooth muscles , which leads to breathing difficulty ; dilation of blood vessels , causing skin flush and hives ; and an increase in vascular permeability , resulting in swelling and a decrease in blood pressure .
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