Which term refers to a severe allergic reaction?

• A. Anaphylaxis
• B. Overdose
• C. Withdrawal
• D. Depressant

Answer: (A)

Anaphylaxis is the term for a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention. It can happen quickly after exposure to an allergen such as certain foods, insect stings, or medications, and may involve trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, wheezing, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and a drop in blood pressure. Because it can progress rapidly, call emergency services right away and use an epinephrine auto-injector if one is available and you’re trained to use it, then seek urgent medical care. The other terms describe different situations: an overdose means taking too much of a drug or medication; withdrawal refers to symptoms that occur when stopping a drug; a depressant is a type of drug that slows the body's systems, not a reaction to an allergen.