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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
These can range from swelling and itching at the injection site (usually the arm) to sneezing and a runny nose to anaphylactic shock in rare cases.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 7 May 2024
Whoever made the drink used milk instead of oat milk, sending the man into anaphylactic shock — a potentially fatal allergic reaction, according to the suit.
—Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024
For these children, eating certain foods triggers an immune system overreaction that can cause anything from itching and eczema to difficulty breathing and life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
—Kaitlin Bell, Parents, 6 Feb. 2024
The three prongs of the disease are nasal polyps, asthma and allergic reactions to most pain medications, progressing to anaphylactic shock.
—Joanne Fowler, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024
Reactions can range from mildly annoying symptoms to life-threatening reactions including anaphylactic shock, which occurs when blood pressure drops suddenly and the organs can't get enough oxygen.
—Daniel Peck, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2024
In rare instances, people can go into anaphylactic shock after taking Xolair, but Gharib Naderi said this typically happens when people are starting on the drug, usually within the first three doses.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2024
Chiarello died at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, Calif., where he was being treated after an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 8 Oct. 2023
Michael Chiarello Michael Chiarello, the acclaimed restaurateur, celebrity chef, and Food Network star, died Oct. 6, at 61, after an acute allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock.
—Ew Staff, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2023
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 12 Jun. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on anaphylactic shock
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anaphylactic shock
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