What Symptoms Are Associated with Systemic Anaphylaxis?
Systemic anaphylaxis is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms typically begin within minutes of a sting, but can be delayed for an hour or so. The symptoms are systemic, that is, they involve the body, not just the area in which the venom was injected. For example, a sensitized person stung on the finger may experience difficulty in breathing due to extensive swelling in airway passages and the throat. Another symptom of anaphylaxis is rapid drop in blood pressure (shock) resulting from leakage of fluids from blood vessels. These symptoms are associated with excessive quantities of histamine and other chemical mediators that have been released from mast cells. NOTE: Most allergic reactions that are systemic do not result in anaphylaxis. However, they can include a variety of symptoms of varying seriousness such as: weak and rapid pulse; dizziness and fainting; nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting; anxiety and confusion; and itching and development of hives on ar
