Key takeaways

Anaphylactic shock is a life threatening reaction to an allergen that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and breathing difficulties, requiring immediate medical attention.

Common triggers include certain medications, insect stings, and foods like nuts, shellfish, milk, and eggs; those with a history of anaphylaxis, allergies, or asthma are at higher risk.

Prompt treatment, including epinephrine injection, is crucial to prevent severe complications such as brain damage, kidney failure, heart issues, or even death.

For some people with severe allergies, exposure to an allergen may cause a potentially life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. During this reaction, the immune system releases chemicals that flood the person’s body. This can lead to a dangerous condition called anaphylactic shock.

Call 911 if you or someone with you is experiencing anaphylactic shock

Anaphylactic shock is a serious medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or someone with you is experiencing the following symptoms:

  • swollen lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • choking
  • difficulty breathing
  • confusion
  • drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • fainting or loss of consciousness

You’ll experience symptoms of anaphylaxis before anaphylactic shock sets in. You should not ignore these symptoms.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

If you think you’re experiencing anaphylaxis, seek medical attention immediately. If anaphylaxis has progressed to anaphylactic shock, the symptoms can include:

Anaphylaxis results from an overreaction of your immune system to an allergen (something your body is allergic to). In turn, anaphylaxis can lead to anaphylactic shock.

Common triggers for anaphylaxis include:

In rare cases, exercise and aerobic activity such as running can trigger anaphylaxis.

Sometimes, people experience an anaphylactic reaction and are never able to identify the cause. This is called idiopathic anaphylaxis.

If you’re unsure what is triggering your allergy attacks, your doctor may order an allergy test to determine what’s causing them.

Risk factors for severe anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock include:

  • a previous anaphylactic reaction
  • allergies or asthma
  • a family history of anaphylaxis

Anaphylactic shock is extremely serious. It causes a decrease in your blood pressure, which can prevent your heart from getting enough oxygen. It can also cause your airways to narrow and prevent you from breathing.

These effects can contribute to complications such as:

In some cases, you’ll experience a worsening of preexisting medical conditions. This is especially true for conditions affecting your respiratory system. For example, if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may experience a lack of oxygen that can quickly cause irreversible damage to your lungs.

The sooner you get treatment for anaphylactic shock, the fewer complications you’re likely to experience.

If you’re experiencing severe anaphylaxis, seek emergency care immediately.

If you have an epinephrine auto-injector (often known by the brand name “EpiPen”), use it as soon as your symptoms start. Do not try to take any type of oral medication if you’re having difficulty breathing.

Even if you feel better after an epinephrine injection, you need to seek medical attention. There’s a significant risk that the reaction could come back as soon as the medication wears off.

If anaphylactic shock is occurring because of an insect sting, remove the stinger if possible. Use a plastic card, such as a credit card. Press the card against your skin, slide it up toward the stinger, and flick the card up once it’s underneath the stinger.

Do not use tweezers or otherwise squeeze the stinger, as doing so can release more venom into your skin.

If someone appears to be going into anaphylactic shock, call 911 and then do the following:

  • Get them into a comfortable position and elevate their legs. This keeps blood flowing to their vital organs.
  • If they have an epinephrine auto-injector, inject the medication immediately.
  • If they’re not breathing, give them CPR until the emergency medical team arrives.

The first step in treating anaphylactic shock will likely be to immediately inject epinephrine, which can reduce the severity of the allergic reaction.

At the hospital, you’ll receive more epinephrine intravenously (directly into a vein). You might also receive glucocorticoids and antihistamines intravenously. These medications help reduce inflammation in your air passages, improving your ability to breathe.

Your doctor may give you beta-agonists, such as albuterol, to make breathing easier. You might also receive supplemental oxygen to help your body get the oxygen it needs.

Healthcare professionals will also treat any complications you’ve developed due to anaphylactic shock.

Anaphylactic shock can be extremely dangerous, even fatal. It’s an immediate medical emergency. Your recovery will depend on how quickly you get help.

If you’re at risk of anaphylaxis, doctors can work with you to create an emergency plan.

In the long term, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or other allergy medication to reduce the likelihood or severity of future attacks. Always take the allergy medications your doctor has prescribed to you and consult your doctor before stopping any medication.

Your doctor might suggest that you carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of a future attack. They may also help you identify the cause of the reaction so you can avoid triggers in the future.

Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency that can result from a severe allergic reaction. Call 911 right away if you’ve been exposed to an allergen and are experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as hives, swelling, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment to prevent serious complications.