- Definition
Anaphylaxis is a very severe and fast-acting allergic reaction that can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It's often caused by certain foods, insect stings, or medicines.
A person with a severe peanut allergy who eats a cookie with peanuts and then has trouble breathing is experiencing anaphylaxis.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can affect breathing, circulation, and other body systems.
Ask your child: If someone may be having a serious allergic reaction, what trusted adult should you tell immediately?
Common mix-up: Anaphylaxis can become life-threatening quickly. Follow the person's emergency plan, get trained adult help, and call 9-1-1; this content is for awareness, not a substitute for medical training.
Examples
- After a bee sting, someone might get hives all over their body and feel faint.
- A reaction to a new medication could cause swelling of the lips and tongue.
- A severe reaction can sometimes be triggered by exercising soon after eating a certain food.
anaphylaxis is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
