What is a common symptom of anaphylaxis?

Swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing are hallmark symptoms of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. During anaphylaxis, the body releases a flood of chemicals in response to an allergen, leading to rapid onset symptoms such as airway constriction, swelling, and hives. The swelling can cause the throat to narrow, making it difficult for the individual to breathe, which is a critical and urgent medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Recognizing this symptom is essential for timely treatment, typically with epinephrine, to counteract the potentially fatal effects of the reaction. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for those in medical assisting roles, as they often need to respond quickly in emergency situations.