What substances can cause anaphylaxis?
A severe anaphylactic reaction is defined as a rapid systemic reaction mediated by the bridging of cell-bound IgE and antigen. The subsequent release of mediators following the bridging of the two can cause a range of systemic manifestations, including signs and symptoms in the skin, respiratory tract, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal tract. It is sometimes not easily distinguished clinically from anaphylactic-like reactions, but the latter do not have the involvement of antigen-specific IgE. Severe allergic reactions are a clinical syndrome that is caused by a variety of different precipitating factors and has different pathogenesis.
Common substances that cause rapid-onset systemic allergic reactions
Triggering factors
Mechanism
Food
IgE-mediated
Nuts
Legumes (peanuts)
Shellfish
Egg whites
Milk
Pistachios, cashews
Seeds (mustard)
Insect venom
IgE-mediated
Wasp
Hornet
Honey bee
Small wasp
Fire Ants
Protein or peptide
Streptokinase
IgE-mediated
Insulin
IgE-mediated
Seminal plasma
Some are IgE-mediated
Allergen immunotherapy vaccine
IgE-mediated
Latex
IgE-mediated
Myorelaxants
Mast cell activation (some IgE-mediated)
Antibiotics
Penicillin
IgE-mediated
Cephalosporins
IgE-mediated
Sulfamethoxazole
Some are IgE-mediated
Methicillin
Some are IgE-mediated
Fluoroquinolones
Unknown cause
Vancomycin
Mast cell activation
Diagnostic reagents
Contrast agent
Unknown cause
Gadolinium
Unknown cause
Fluorescein dyes
Unknown cause
Medical related treatment
Dialysis membranes
Complement activation
Plasma (including platelet transfusion)
Complement activation (some IgE-mediated)
Immunoglobulin for intravenous use
Complement activation, IgG or IgE-mediated
Other
Monograms or chimeric antibodies
Similar to IgE-mediated
Aspirin, non-selective NSAIDS
Leukotriene D4 production; prostaglandin E inhibition; mast cell activation
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
Enhanced bradykinin action
Exercise-induced severe allergic reactions
Unknown cause
Exercise plus food-induced severe allergic reactions
Unknown cause
Idiopathic severe allergic reaction
Unknown cause