What is a potential consequence of an allergic reaction?

A potential consequence of an allergic reaction can indeed be death, although this is rare and typically occurs in particularly severe cases, such as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that can involve multiple bodily systems and lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing, a rapid drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

Understanding this helps in the context of culinary arts, as managing food allergies is critical in cooking and food service. In restaurants and catering, for instance, staff must be trained to recognize the seriousness of allergies and the appropriate actions to take if a severe reaction occurs, potentially saving a life.

It's crucial to differentiate that while itching and swelling, nausea, and fatigue can be symptoms of allergic reactions, these are generally less severe and not seen as direct consequences in the same life-threatening category as death.