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A person experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and difficulty breathing after being stung by a bee. This severe allergic reaction is known as:
- AAsthma attack
- BHypoglycemia
- CAnaphylaxis
- DBronchitis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms including a drop in blood pressure, swelling, rash, and difficulty breathing, often triggered by insect stings or certain foods.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An asthma attack primarily involves constriction of airways, causing breathing difficulty, but not typically a sudden drop in blood pressure or widespread systemic symptoms like anaphylaxis.
- B. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar, causing symptoms like confusion and weakness, but not typically a sudden allergic reaction with breathing difficulties and blood pressure drop.
- D. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, typically causing coughing and mucus production, not sudden blood pressure drops or severe systemic reactions.
Anaphylaxis
A severe, potentially fatal systemic allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and widespread rash or swelling.
- Life-threatening allergic reaction
- Rapid onset (minutes to hours)
- Symptoms include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure
- Common triggers: insect stings, foods, medications
- Requires immediate medical attention (epinephrine)
Memory trick: Allergies can be mild, but Anaphylaxis is A-LARMING.