Common Causes of Anaphylaxis
Food
Although any food can cause a severe reaction in someone allergic to it, peanuts, tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.), shellfish, fish, milk, and eggs are the most common causes of food-induced anaphylaxis. Only a trace amount of a problem food is
enough to cause a reaction in some people.
The CDC reported that food allergies result in over 300,000 ambulatory-care visits a year among children. Individuals who are allergic to foods and also have asthma are believed to be at higher risk for developing an anaphylactic reaction than are those with food allergies, but not asthma.
Two FAAN studies involving a total of 63 cases of fatal food-allergy-induced anaphylaxis showed that adolescents who have peanut and tree nut allergy and asthma, and who don't have quick access to epinephrine during a reaction, are at highest risk for a fatal reaction.
Strict avoidance of the allergen is necessary to avoid a severe reaction. Read food labels for every food each and every time you eat it, and ask questions about ingredients and preparation methods when eating away from home.
Medication
Anaphylactic reactions to medication typically occur within an hour after taking the drug but may occur several hours later. It is estimated that up to 1% of the population may be at risk for allergic reactions to medications.
According to literature from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, "The chances of developing an allergic reaction may be increased if the drug is given frequently, or by skin application or injection rather than by mouth. Inherited genetic tendencies of the immune system to develop allergies may also be important. Contrary to popular myth, however, a family history of reaction to a specific drug does not mean that a patient has an increased chance of reacting to the same drug."
Recent research indicates that 90% of patients who have a history of allergic reactions to penicillin will be able tolerate the drug. Patients who need penicillin may be able to undergo a physician-supervised desensitization procedure in an effort to change their immune system response to the antibiotic. Those who are allergic to any antibiotic are more likely to react to other drugs than are patients who have no medication allergies.
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking medication, speak to your doctor. If symptoms are severe, or if they resemble those of anaphylaxis, get emergency medical help immediately.
For additional information about medication allergy, visit The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Insect Sting
Honeybees, bumblebees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants are the most common sources of insect stings in the United States. The symptoms of anaphylactic reactions to insect stings usually occur within minutes of the sting.
Insect sting reactions can range from local and mild to life-threatening. Local reactions can involve swelling of an area larger than the sting site (i.e., the entire arm can be swollen after a sting on the hand). This type of reaction may also include nausea and low-grade fever. Insect stings account for at least 40 deaths each year in the U.S.
In some instances, insect sting allergy can be cured with immunotherapy, a process in which the doctor gradually administers stronger and stronger doses of the venom over a period of time.
To minimize the risk of an insect sting, avoid brightly colored clothing and scented cosmetics, perfumes, and so forth; avoid walking barefoot; use caution when cooking outdoors; avoid areas where stinging insects congregate; and keep insecticide handy when working outdoors.
Latex
Latex allergy is most commonly diagnosed in individuals who are exposed to latex frequently, such as those employed in the health care or rubber industry fields and children with spina bifida and other congenital diseases requiring multiple surgeries. An estimated 1% of the U.S. population has latex allergy, but the figure is much higher – between 10% and 17% – among those employed in health care occupations.
Some individuals with latex allergy will also develop reactions when eating foods that cross-react with latex, such as bananas, kiwi, avocados, European chestnuts, and, less commonly, potatoes, tomatoes, and peaches, plums, cherries, and other pitted fruits.
For additional information about latex allergy, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
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