Etiology of Anaphylaxis

Definition

The most common triggers of anaphylaxis are foods, venom of stinging insects, and drugs; there are, however, a number of other important causes, as detailed in Box 1. Foods are the most common trigger in infants, children, and young people, but these will be outgrown in many cases. Drugs and the venom of stinging insects are the most common in adults (Alves and Sheikh 2001). Some patients experience anaphylaxis due to idiopathic causes.

Box 1: Causes of Anaphylaxis

Common

• Foods: most commonly peanuts, tree nuts, hen’s eggs, seafood, cow’s milk, and seeds

• Medications: most commonly antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and neuromuscular blocking agents

• Insect stings: most commonly bees, hornets, wasps, and fire ants

• Idiopathic

Less common

• Physical triggers (e.g., exercise, cold)

• Biological fluids/preparations (e.g., transfusions, immunoglobulin, antivenoms, semen)

• Latex

• Tick bites

• Hormonal changes: breastfeeding, menstrual factors

• Dialysis membranes...