ANAPHYLAXIS -
Noun: A rare, severe, frightening and possibly life threatening allergic reaction. It sometimes occurs in people who have an extreme sensitivity to a particular substance. Serum sickness, such as experienced by those taking Antilymphocyte Globulin, is an instance of relatively mild anaphylaxis. It can also occur as a reaction to an injected drug such as penicillin or a local anaesthetic. Some of the reactions include an itchy raised rash, constriction of the airways in the lungs, pain in the abdomen, swelling of the tongue or throat, and diarrhoea. If severe, it is called Anaphylactic Shock.

Greek - ana = back +

Greek - phylaxis = protection

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