A severe reaction to an insect bite that results in hypotension, wheezing and hives is called

• A. Allergic rhinitis
• B. Anemia
• C. Anaphylaxis
• D. Asthma

Answer: (C)

Anaphylaxis is a severe, systemic allergic reaction. When the body encounters a trigger like an insect bite, immune mediators are released all over, causing rapid changes in multiple organ systems. The combination of low blood pressure (hypotension), breathing difficulties such as wheezing from bronchospasm, and widespread hives shows the reaction is not just local but affecting the circulatory and respiratory systems. This immediate, life-threatening reaction is what defines anaphylaxis and needs urgent treatment with epinephrine and emergency medical care.

Allergic rhinitis causes symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and lacks the systemic hypotension and diffuse hives seen here. Anemia involves low red blood cells leading to fatigue and pallor, not an acute allergic reaction with airway symptoms. Asthma features wheezing and airway narrowing but does not inherently include sudden hypotension or hives after an insect bite.