anaphylactic shock

noun

: an often severe and sometimes fatal systemic reaction in a susceptible individual upon exposure to a specific antigen (such as wasp venom or penicillin) after previous sensitization that is characterized especially by respiratory symptoms, fainting, itching, and hives

Examples of anaphylactic shock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Apparently a roast beef sandwich can now send you into anaphylactic shock. Beth Teitell, BostonGlobe.com, 27 July 2023 Wharton attributed the stallion's death to anaphylactic shock, Details of the stallion's demise had been circulating by word-of-mouth for months but remained unsubstantiated until the Courier Journal obtained a copy of the insurance company's denial of claims. Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, 19 Apr. 2022 Blood pressure that low could have been triggered by an allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock, or severe dehydration. Louis F Janeira, Discover Magazine, 26 Aug. 2012 As Kennedy recounts in a 2017 forward to a third edition of The Peanut Allergy Epidemic by Heather Fraser, his son Conor needed 29 visits to the emergency room for severe allergies and anaphylactic shock before the age of three. Time, 5 July 2023 Those showing signs of anaphylactic shock, including swelling of the throat or loss of breath, will be transported to the hospital. The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2023 For example, dairy sensitivity or intolerance may cause bloating, diarrhea, or pain, but not wheezing or anaphylactic shock. Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 9 May 2023 One example is severe anaphylactic shock, a life-threating bodily shutdown. Christiane Gelitz, Scientific American, 4 May 2023 This anaphylactic shock has typically been blamed on the immune system going into overdrive. Byclaudia Lopez Lloreda, science.org, 17 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anaphylactic shock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anaphylactic shock was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near anaphylactic shock

Cite this Entry

“Anaphylactic shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anaphylactic%20shock. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

Medical Definition

anaphylactic shock

noun
: an often severe and sometimes fatal systemic reaction in a susceptible individual upon a second exposure to a specific antigen (as wasp venom or penicillin) after previous sensitization that is characterized especially by respiratory symptoms, fainting, itching, and hives

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