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Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic (multi-system) and very severe Type I Hypersensitivity allergic reaction in humans and other mammals. The term comes from the Greek words ανα ana(against) and φύλαξις phylaxis (protection).[1] Minute amounts of allergens may cause a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis may occur after ingestion, skin contact, injection of an allergen or, in some cases, inhalation.[2] Anaphylactic shock, the most severe type of anaphylaxis, occurs when an allergic response triggers a quick release from mast cells of large quantities of immunological mediators (histamines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes) leading to systemic vasodilation (associated with a sudden drop in blood pressure) and edema of bronchial mucosa (resulting in bronchoconstriction and difficulty breathing). Anaphylactic shock can lead to death in a matter of minutes if left untreated. Fish is the allergen in this case and so the scientific name for a severe allergic reaction to fish is 'anaphylactic to fish'.

# "Anaphylaxis." Etymology. Oxford English Dictionary. http://dictionary.oed.com. # "Anaphylaxis". Health. AllRefer.com. 2002-01-17. http://health.allrefer.com/health/anaphylaxis-info.html. Retrieved on 2007-01-29.

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16y ago

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