Causes and triggers of anaphylaxis
The most common causes of anaphylaxis are food and venom (wasp stings).
Common food triggers:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Fish and shellfish
- Fruit
- Dairy products such as milk and eggs.
Anaphylaxis can also be triggered by:
- Venom from stinging or biting insects. Wasp and bee venom are the most common insect allergens. On rare occasions stings from hornets and bumble bees can also cause allergic reactions.
- Medicine – most commonly antibiotics, aspirin or ibuprofen
- Latex
- Exercise
- Sometimes the cause may be unknown