Which of the following are symptoms of anaphylaxis?

• A. Swelling of the face/lips, difficulty breathing, rash or hives, collapse/unconsciousness
• B. Headache and dizziness only
• C. Nasal congestion and sneezing
• D. Abdominal cramps after meals

Answer: (A)

Anaphylaxis is a rapid, systemic allergic reaction where mediators released in the body cause swelling, airway narrowing, and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. The signs described—face and lip swelling (angioedema), trouble breathing, a widespread rash or hives, and collapse or loss of consciousness—show multiple body systems being affected at once. This combination is the hallmark of a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate action, typically with intramuscular adrenaline and urgent medical help.

Headache and dizziness alone can occur in many conditions and don’t indicate a full-threshold systemic reaction. Nasal congestion and sneezing are more typical of allergic irritation or hay fever, not a dangerous, multi-system event. Abdominal cramps after meals might point to a GI issue or food intolerance, but without the other systemic signs they do not reflect anaphylaxis.