Final answer:
The suffix 'phylaxis' means protection or prevention, relating to anaphylaxis, which is a severe, rapid, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suffix phylaxis in the term anaphylaxis refers to protection or prevention. Anaphylaxis is a systemic and potentially life-threatening type I hypersensitivity reaction that occurs rapidly in response to allergens. It can lead to severe symptoms such as a significant drop in blood pressure, changes in heart rate, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the tongue and throat. These reactions can be severe enough to threaten suffocation without emergency treatment.
An example of such a treatment is the administration of epinephrine, commonly through an epinephrine autoinjector like an EpiPen®, which acts to control the immune reaction and alleviate symptoms.