DefinitionAnaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.Alternative NamesAnaphylactic reaction; Anaphylactic shock; Shock - anaphylacticCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAnaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction to a chemical that has become an allergen. After being exposed to a substance such as bee sting venom, the person's immune system becomes sensitized to it. On a later exposure to that allergen, an allergic reaction may occur. This reaction happens quickly after the exposure, is severe, and involves the whole body.Tissues in different parts of the body release histamine and other substances. This causes the airways to tighten and leads to other symptoms.Some drugs (morphine, x-ray dye, and others) may cause an anaphylactic-like reaction (anaphylactoid reac