What does anaphylaxis refer to?

Anaphylaxis specifically refers to a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen, which is a substance that the immune system mistakenly identifies as harmful. This hypersensitivity reaction can cause a range of symptoms including difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, a rapid drop in blood pressure, and an increased heart rate. The severity of anaphylaxis necessitates immediate medical attention, often requiring the administration of epinephrine to counteract the life-threatening symptoms.

While other reactions to allergens are significant, they typically do not exhibit the same rapid onset and severe consequences associated with anaphylaxis. Chronic digestive disorders, inflammatory responses to allergens, and mild allergic reactions represent different levels and types of immune responses that do not carry the same level of urgency or risk as anaphylaxis.