What is a severe reaction to specific foods or additives called?

A severe reaction to specific foods or additives is called anaphylactic shock. This life-threatening condition occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance, leading to a rapid release of chemicals that can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and swelling. Anaphylactic shock can occur after exposure to allergens such as certain nuts, shellfish, or medications.

This distinction is crucial because while an allergic reaction refers to a more general immune response that may cause mild to severe symptoms, anaphylactic shock specifically describes the most serious form of this response, which requires immediate medical attention. The other terms presented, such as intense reaction or severe allergy, do not accurately capture the immediacy and severity associated with anaphylactic shock, making it the precise term for such a critical condition.