Anaphylaxis: Understanding Severe Allergic Reactions

An allergic reaction resulting in severe bronchospasm, drop in blood pressure, and dyspnea would be called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline).