Anaphylactic shock is caused by a severe allergic reaction resulting in airway and vascular collapse. Which term describes this condition?

• A. Hypovolemic Shock
• B. Septic Shock
• C. Anaphylactic Shock
• D. Obstructive Shock

Answer: (C)

Anaphylactic shock describes a distributive shock caused by a severe allergic reaction. The allergens trigger widespread release of mediators like histamine, leading to rapid vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, which cause vascular collapse and hypotension. At the same time, airway edema and bronchoconstriction can rush to block airflow, producing the airway compromise described. This combination—dramatic airway involvement with systemic vascular collapse—is the hallmark of anaphylaxis.

Other shock types differ in their root causes: hypovolemic shock results from loss of circulating blood or fluids, not primarily from allergic mediator effects; septic shock comes from severe infection causing systemic vasodilation and capillary leak; obstructive shock arises from a physical blockage impeding blood flow, such as in tamponade, tension pneumothorax, or a massive pulmonary embolism.