The definition of a possum, or opossum, is a tree-dwelling nocturnal marsupial with fur and a prehensile tail. A small Australian mammal that lives in a tree and only comes out at night is an example of a possum. possum. possum.
More than two thirds of patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first: half hour. ____, a harsh, high-pitched inspiratory sound, occurs when swelling in the upper airway closes off the airway; the swelling can eventually lead to total obstruction. Stridor.
To make matters worse, cell fluids dumped into the tissues of the throat can cause the throat to swell shut, leading to anaphylactic shock and death in as little as three or four minutes after exposure to the antigen or the onset of symptoms.