Anaphylaxis causes
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Anaphylaxis Microchapters |
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Anaphylaxis causes On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Anaphylaxis causes |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Vidit Bhargava, M.B.B.S [2]Soumya Sachdeva
Overview
Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction to a chemical that has become an allergen. After being exposed to a substance such as bee sting venom, the person's immune system becomes sensitized to it. On a later exposure to that allergen, an allergic reaction may occur. This reaction happens quickly after the exposure, is severe, and involves the whole body.Tissues in different parts of the body release histamine and other substances. This causes the airways to tighten and leads to other symptoms. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and can occur at any time. Risks include a history of any type of allergic reaction.
Life Threatening Causes
Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Anaphylaxis is itself a life threatening condition.
Causes
Common Causes
Anaphylaxis can occur in response to any allergen. Common causes include:
- Drug allergies (acetaminophen, penicillins, Prednisolone, cephalosporins, amphotericin B, nitrofurantoin, quinolones)
- Food allergies (peanuts, milk, eggs, seafood, nuts, grains, beans, gelatin in capsules)
- Insect bites/stings (yellow jacket, yellow and baldfaced hornets, paper wasp, honey bee, imported fire ants)
- Nonpollen allergen extracts (dust mites, dander of cats, dogs, horses and laboratory animals)