Anaphylaxis (an–a–fi–LAK–sis) is a serious allergic reaction that comes on quickly and is potentially life-threatening. Anaphylaxis includes a wide range of signs and symptoms that can occur alone, or in combination, after exposure to an allergen. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can develop rapidly after exposure to an allergen, usually reaching peak severity within 5 to 30 minutes, but this may be delayed up to 2 hours. Symptoms of the throat, lungs, and heart are all immediate and potentially life-threatening. When you, or someone you know, begin to experience symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Each year in the U.S., it is estimated that severe reactions to food cause:

• 30,000 emergency room visits
• 2,000 hospitalizations
• 150 deaths

For more information please visit the Food Allergy Awareness Website here.