What causes Anaphylaxis
Substances than can trigger this reaction can be very obvious or difficult to identify.
The following are some common triggers:
- Foods: In children, hen's eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, wheat, and soy are the most common food triggers. In teens and adults, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and crustaceans (shellfish such as shrimp) are the most common triggers. Any food, including fruits and vegetables, and some spices and food additives, can cause anaphylaxis
- Medications, especially certain antibiotics (such as penicillin or amoxicillin), medications for pain and fever (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), some x-ray dyes (also called radio contrast media), and others
- Venom from insects, including bees, hornets, wasps, and fire ants
- Latex from natural rubber, found in some latex gloves, balloons, condoms, sports equipment, and medical products
- Allergen immunotherapy ("allergy vaccination injections"), such as those given for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Exercise, either by itself, or after eating certain foods (eg, wheat, celery, seafood), medications (eg, aspirin), or exposure to cold air/water
Less common triggers include exposure to airborne allergens (such as horse dander), human seminal fluid, and cold temperatures.
Sometimes a specific cause cannot be identified and this condition is called idiopathic anaphylaxis.
You should contact your doctor if you are concerned that you have had a reaction.