They are also called immediate type hypersensitivity reactions because they tend to occur rapidly after the exposure to the allergen. The most common allergens capable of provoking anaphylaxis are the penicillins and related cephalosporin antibiotics, of which Ceclor is an example, foods such as shellfish and nuts, and bee stings. Individuals who manifest many allergies, such as the daughter of today's writer, are said to be atopic, and this tendency runs in families. Members of atopic families often have high levels of a particular class of immune globulins called IgE in their blood. However, anaphylaxis can also occur in people who are not from an atopic family and have no other allergies.
Anaphylactic reactions can manifest themselves in several different ways.
Skin reactions such as hives, with swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, may occur. This swelling may progress to severe breathing difficulty. There may also be GI tract symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or crampy pain. Since these symptoms appear literally within minutes after the person is exposed to the allergen, immediate medical treatment is crucial. Someone having a severe anaphylactic reaction can die within a few minutes of respiratory difficulty and shock.