The Causes of Anaphylaxis

There is a wide variety of possible causes for anaphylaxis. Foods and drugs are the reported to be ones of the most common causes. Peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, are the most commonly implicated foods, while NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and antibiotics (penicillins) are the most common for drugs.  Anaphylaxis may also be idiopathic, meaning it can just happen without any reasonable common cause such as contact with allergens.

One study about the common cause of anaphylaxis in children showed that food is the main culprit. Anaphylaxis due to food occurs when a certain food protein makes contact with the blood in the body. This triggers the release of IgE antibody. The residue from the antibody attaches itself to mast cells and basophils after this initial exposure. On the second contact with the same allergen, the antigen binds to the antibody, activating the receptors. This is when your immune system releases a number of chemicals that include histamine, leukotriene, prostaglandins, and tryptase. A flood of histamine and other related chemicals in the body causes allergic reactions.  The factors that influence the severity of the symptoms include the degree of host sensitivity and dose, rate of the administration of the offending agent, and route. The faster the reaction develop, the more dangerous it is likely to be.