ANAPHYLACTIC  SHOCK

based on First Aid Manual 7th Edn. Updated 1999    page 81

Introduction to anaphylactic shock                                                         

When the body suffers a serious allergic reaction, which can be life threatening, this is called anaphylactic shock.  

This is vastly different to a food intolerance or a food dislike.

An allergy is the body's mistaken defence reaction, and is meant to protect you. Most people will have a normal reaction to the "invader" and not over-react, as in anaphylactic shock.

Click here to find out more on the body's normal reaction to these invaders.

Common causes of anaphylaxis (in susceptible individuals) include:-

• drugs (often antibiotics)

• stings (often bee, occasionally wasp)

• certain foods (especially nuts)

• injected x-ray dyes

Anaphylaxis

External Internet Link/s

Please note that First Aid Training has no control over the content or accuracy of the site/s listed. 

Please evaluate the information for yourself.  How?

BBC Allergy Guide