Anaphylactic shock is best defined as which?

Anaphylactic shock is best defined as which?

• A. life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction characterized by either hypotension or airway compromise produced by an immune response
• B. Mild allergic reaction
• C. Shock due to dehydration
• D. Infection-induced septic shock

Answer: (A)

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction driven by an immune response, in which a rapid release of mediators from mast cells and basophils causes widespread effects. This mediator surge leads to vasodilation and capillary leak, producing hypotension, and it can cause swelling and bronchoconstriction in the airways, resulting in airway compromise. The defining features are the rapid onset after exposure to an allergen and involvement of either the cardiovascular system (low blood pressure) or the respiratory system (airway obstruction). This distinguishes it from milder allergic reactions, which don’t involve systemic hypotension or airway compromise, and from dehydration shocks or septic shocks, which have different causes and triggers.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction driven by an immune response, in which a rapid release of mediators from mast cells and basophils causes widespread effects. This mediator surge leads to vasodilation and capillary leak, producing hypotension, and it can cause swelling and bronchoconstriction in the airways, resulting in airway compromise. The defining features are the rapid onset after exposure to an allergen and involvement of either the cardiovascular system (low blood pressure) or the respiratory system (airway obstruction). This distinguishes it from milder allergic reactions, which don’t involve systemic hypotension or airway compromise, and from dehydration shocks or septic shocks, which have different causes and triggers.