What parts of the body can anaphylaxis affect
John Parsons
Updated on April 08, 2026
Overview. Sneezing, itchiness, foggy brain: These are all symptoms you might experience from time to time if you have allergies. … Immune system. … Respiratory system. … Skin (integumentary system) … Circulatory system. … Digestive system. … Central nervous system.
What body systems are affected by anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is an acute multiorgan system reaction. The most common organ systems involved include the cutaneous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal (GI) systems. In most studies, the frequency of signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis is grouped by organ system.
What happens to the body during anaphylaxis anaphylactic shock?
Anaphylaxis causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow, blocking breathing. Signs and symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse; a skin rash; and nausea and vomiting.
Which parts of the body are most likely to be affected by an allergic reaction?
The Immune System Your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. This reaction usually causes symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach or on the skin.Which blood vessels are most affected by anaphylaxis?
During an anaphylactic reaction, lung bronchi constrict intensely, narrowing the airways and interfering seriously with respiration; blood pressure may fall precipitously because of the release of substances (serotonin, histamine, and bradykinin) that cause dilation of the arterioles and venules and an increase in the …
How does anaphylaxis cause abdominal pain?
Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, may also occur. Histamines, the substances released by the body during an allergic reaction, cause the blood vessels to expand, which in turn causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
What body of hypersensitivity is being triggered with anaphylactic shock?
Type I reactions (i.e., immediate hypersensitivity reactions) involve immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells and basophils. Examples include anaphylaxis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
What are two signs of anaphylaxis?
- abdominal cramps.
- heart palpitations.
- nausea and vomiting.
- swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
- skin reactions such as hives, itching, or peeling.
- breathing problems.
- dizziness or fainting.
- weak and rapid pulse.
How does anaphylaxis affect the cardiovascular system?
Circulatory system During anaphylaxis, small blood vessels (capillaries) begin to leak blood into your tissues. This can cause a sudden and dramatic drop in blood pressure. Other symptoms include a rapid or weak pulse and heart palpitations.
Does anaphylaxis cause vasodilation?During anaphylaxis, coronary hypoperfusion caused by systemic vasodilation, plasma leakage, loss of volume due to increased vascular permeability and reduced venous return can contribute to cardiac output suppression, leading further (33) to myocardial damage and ventricular dysfunction.
Article first time published onWhat is the difference between anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock?
The terms “anaphylaxis” and “anaphylactic shock” are often used to mean the same thing. They both refer to a severe allergic reaction. Shock is when your blood pressure drops so low that your cells (and organs) don’t get enough oxygen. Anaphylactic shock is shock that’s caused by anaphylaxis.
Can anaphylaxis make you tired?
Symptoms of both anaphylaxis and hypotension include lightheadedness, feeling weak or faint, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision and loss of consciousness.
Which four symptoms can occur during an allergic reaction?
- sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis)
- itchy, red, watering eyes (conjunctivitis)
- wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a cough.
- a raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
- swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face.
Does anaphylactic shock cause vasodilation or vasoconstriction?
Anaphylactic shock specifically refers to a case of anaphylaxis where system vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) occurs that results in a fall in blood pressure to a level 30% lower than their baseline.
Can anaphylaxis cause brain damage?
In addition, the body responds to the allergen by releasing chemicals such as histamines that cause swelling of the skin, a red rash, and severe itching. Complications of anaphylactic shock can include brain damage, kidney failure, and/or death.
Which of the following triggers most commonly cause death from anaphylaxis?
The most common causes of death are cardiovascular collapse and respiratory compromise.
What are the 4 types of allergic reactions?
Four different types of allergic reactions are immediate, cytotoxic, immune-complex mediated and delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system has a reaction to a substance it sees as harmful, called an allergen.
What is the difference between hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis?
Type I hypersensitivity reaction is the most widely known type of allergic reaction and includes anaphylaxis; this is where the body reacts to a stimulus, or allergen, leading to swelling of the airways, and cardiovascular and other organ system effects. True anaphylaxis is uncommon.
What is anaphylaxis pathophysiology?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, systemic hypersensitivity reaction that is rapid in onset and characterized by life-threatening airway, breathing, and/or circulatory problems, and that is usually associated with skin and mucosal changes.
Can allergies affect stomach?
The short answer is yes, you can have a food allergy and experience digestive problems. That’s because just like with other allergies, when your digestive system comes into contact with something that your immune system views as a threat, it quickly responds by releasing a chemical called histamine.
Can allergic reaction cause stomach cramps?
If histamine is released in the skin, you may develop hives or a rash. If histamine is released in the gastrointestinal tract, you likely will develop stomach pains, cramps or diarrhea. Many people experience a combination of symptoms as the food is eaten and digested.
What does your throat feel like during anaphylaxis?
Swollen or itchy throat, hoarse voice, trouble swallowing, tightness in your throat.
Can anaphylaxis cause arrhythmia?
Anaphylaxis can trigger any kind of arrhythmia. Recommendations about epinephrine in cardiac patients during an anaphylactic event continue to be a dilemma. protocols between cardiologist and allergist in treatment of cardiovascular complications during anaphylaxis.
What happens in an allergic response in the immune system?
When a harmless substance such as dust, mold, or pollen is encountered by a person who is allergic to that substance, the immune system may over react by producing antibodies that “attack” the allergen. The can cause wheezing, itching, runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, and other symptoms.
Can anaphylaxis cause high blood pressure?
Hypotension is the most common cardiovascular system finding and considered to be a criterion for diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Nonetheless, we hypothesize that hypertension can also be encountered in anaphylactic reactions due to compensatory vasopressor responses.
Does anaphylaxis cause hypotension?
The histamine released during an anaphylactic reaction causes blood vessels to widen, which leads to a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure — hypotension.
Can anaphylaxis be caused by stress?
Some cases of “somatoform” idiopathic anaphylaxis have been reported, but such cases are defined by no response to any thera- peutic intervention. 2 We present a case of recurrent “idiopathic” anaphylaxis apparently precipitated by emotional stress.
What are the 5 most common triggers for anaphylaxis?
- foods – including nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and some fruits.
- medicines – including some antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin.
- insect stings – particularly wasp and bee stings.
- general anaesthetic.
Does anaphylaxis cause bronchoconstriction?
H1 receptor stimulation causes bronchoconstriction, systemic vasodilation, intestinal and uterine smooth muscle contraction, increased capillary permeability, increase in nasal mucus production and coronary artery constriction, producing many of the signs and symptoms exhibited in anaphylaxis.
Can anaphylaxis cause vasoconstriction?
Some patients during anaphylactic episodes experience maximum peripheral vasoconstriction due to increased vascular resistance while others have decreased systemic vascular resistance.
Does anaphylaxis cause tachycardia?
Tachycardia is one of the earliest signs of anaphylaxis, usually preceding the hypotension or other symptoms, and sometimes accompanied by the infamous “aura of impending doom”.