How Do You Spell ANAPHYLAXIS?

Pronunciation: [ˌanɐfɪlˈaksɪs] (IPA)

Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The spelling of this word is not as straightforward as it may seem. The "ana-" prefix comes from the Greek language and means "against" or "up." The "-phylaxis" suffix is also from Greek, meaning "protection." Therefore, the correct pronunciation of anaphylaxis is [æ.nə.fɪˈlæk.sɪs], with emphasis on the "phy" syllable. It's essential to spell and pronounce medical terms correctly to avoid confusion and ensure proper treatment.

ANAPHYLAXIS Meaning and Definition

1. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly and affects various bodily systems. It is an extreme immune response triggered by exposure to an allergenic substance, such as certain foods, medications, insect stings, or latex. The reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts after recognizing a harmless substance as a threat.

   During an anaphylactic episode, the immune system releases a cascade of chemicals, including histamine, which causes an array of symptoms throughout the body. Common symptoms include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and gastrointestinal distress. These symptoms typically occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen.

   If left untreated, anaphylaxis can progress rapidly, leading to a life-threatening condition known as anaphylactic shock. This state is characterized by a severe drop in blood pressure and a significant compromise of vital functions. Therefore, immediate medical attention, often in an emergency setting, is crucial to prevent fatal outcomes.

   The treatment for anaphylaxis typically involves administering epinephrine, a hormone that helps to reverse the symptoms by constricting blood vessels and opening up airways. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may also be given to ease symptoms and reduce inflammation. Following an episode, it is important for individuals who have experienced anaphylaxis to identify the responsible allergen and take appropriate preventive measures to avoid future exposure. In some cases, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can be prescribed to decrease sensitivity to specific allergens.

2. Increased susceptibility to an infection or to the action of any foreign protein introduced into the body, following a primary infection; the opposite of immunity.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ANAPHYLAXIS

• anaphalaxis
• znaphylaxis
• snaphylaxis
• wnaphylaxis
• qnaphylaxis
• abaphylaxis
• amaphylaxis
• ajaphylaxis
• ahaphylaxis
• anzphylaxis
• ansphylaxis
• anwphylaxis
• anqphylaxis
• anaohylaxis
• analhylaxis
• ana-hylaxis
• ana0hylaxis
• anapgylaxis
• anapbylaxis
• anapnylaxis
• anaphylazis
• anaphylaxix
• sanaphylaxis
• anphylaxis
• anaphlaxis
• annaphylaxis
• Anafalaxus
• Anapylacsis
• Aniphelaxis
• Anaphalaxin
• Exaphylaxis
• Anaphylaxisis

Etymology of ANAPHYLAXIS

The word "anaphylaxis" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from two Greek words: "ana", which means "against" or "up", and "phylaxis", which means "protection" or "guarding". Hence, the literal translation of "anaphylaxis" is "against protection" or "opposite of guarding". This term was coined by Charles Richet, a French physiologist, in 1902 to describe a severe allergic reaction characterized by a sudden and dangerous immune system response.

Similar spelling words for ANAPHYLAXIS

• anaphylactic,
• anyplace,
• anaplasia,
• anaplasmosis,
• anaphylaxies,
• influxes,
• anaphalis,
• Oenophlyxis,
• Influxious,
• anaplastic,
• anaplasty,
• anaphylaxes.

Plural form of ANAPHYLAXIS is ANAPHYLAXES