anaphylaxis

Meanings

1. 1noununcountablemedical

   a serious allergic reaction that can cause breathing problems, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and shock.

   Grammar: Used without 'a' or 'an' in general: 'Anaphylaxis is dangerous.' Can be used with 'the' in specific medical contexts.

   Patterns

   • cause anaphylaxis
   • suffer from anaphylaxis
   • anaphylaxis to something

   Peanuts can cause anaphylaxis in some people.

   She carries an epinephrine auto-injector in case of anaphylaxis.

   Anaphylaxis requires emergency treatment with adrenaline.

2. 2noununcountablemedical

   a condition of extreme sensitivity to a substance that leads to this reaction.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'to' when naming the trigger: anaphylaxis to insect stings.

   Patterns

   • anaphylaxis to something
   • a history of anaphylaxis

   He has a history of anaphylaxis to bee stings.

   Anaphylaxis to latex is rare but serious.

Common combinations

severe anaphylaxis

Severe anaphylaxis can be fatal without immediate care.

cause anaphylaxis

Certain foods can cause anaphylaxis.

anaphylaxis to bee stings

Anaphylaxis to bee stings is a common allergy emergency.

signs of anaphylaxis

Swelling and difficulty breathing are signs of anaphylaxis.

Synonyms and how they differ

anaphylactic shock

This is the most severe form of anaphylaxis, when blood pressure drops dangerously.

allergic reaction

This is a general term for any allergy response, which may be mild; anaphylaxis is always severe.

Word family

anaphylactic adjective

relating to anaphylaxis, as in 'anaphylactic shock'.

Commonly confused: anaphylaxis or anaphylactic?

Practice

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