Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction that is rapid in onset;
characterized by life-threatening airway, breathing, and/or circulatory problems; and usually
associated with skin and mucosal changes. Because it can be triggered in some persons by
minute amounts of antigen (eg, certain foods or single insect stings), anaphylaxis can be
considered the most aberrant example of an imbalance between the cost and benefit of an
immune response. This review will describe current understanding of the …