A life-threatening form of anaphylaxis in which severe systemic reactions cause critically impaired circulation and inadequate blood flow to tissues.
Anaphylactic shock occurs when a severe anaphylactic reaction causes profound blood-vessel dilation and increased vascular permeability, which can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and inadequate tissue perfusion. Severe airway narrowing or swelling can occur at the same time.
Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, including cases involving shock.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Anaphylaxis: the broader life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction; anaphylaxis does not necessarily progress to shock.
- Septic shock: circulatory failure occurring in severe sepsis; its underlying mechanism and cause differ from anaphylactic shock.
SEE ALSO