About the condition
What causes anaphylaxis, and what it looks like
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can turn dangerous within minutes. It happens when the immune system overreacts to something harmless and floods the body with chemicals like histamine.
Common triggers
Foods — peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, dairy
Medications — some antibiotics, aspirin
Insect stings
Latex
Allergy shots, exercise, or no clear trigger at all
Where it shows up
- HeadDizziness, feeling faint, sudden confusion
- Throat & airwayTightness, swelling, hoarse voice, trouble swallowing
- LungsWheezing, coughing, tight chest, trouble breathing
- Heart & circulationFast or weak pulse, drop in blood pressure
- StomachCramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- SkinHives, flushing, itching, swelling
Milder signs
- Itching
- Hives
- A stuffy or runny nose
Signs of anaphylaxis — act now
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the throat or tongue
- A racing heartbeat
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
- Dizziness, vomiting, or passing out
Time is the variable you control
Approval code: VEL-US-12053-01 | 06/2025