11 Unexpected Triggers Of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction that can happen immediately or up to hours after exposure to an allergen without warning, per the Mayo Clinic. While specific allergens, such as peanuts or bee stings, are well-known triggers of anaphylaxis, many other unexpected triggers can also cause this reaction. Some symptoms to be aware of with anaphylaxis are difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue, rapid or weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure. These symptoms occur due to the body's immune system response to the trigger.

According to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice, anaphylaxis is challenging to quantify because it is frequently underreported. Still, it is estimated to affect approximately 5% of the United States population. People with allergies or asthma history may be more vulnerable to developing anaphylaxis. Furthermore, many potential triggers may be unexpected or surprising. It is essential to be aware of potential triggers, especially if you have a history of anaphylaxis. Knowing how to respond can save your life or the life of someone around you.

While some people may simply dislike going outside in cold weather, cold conditions can actually cause health problems for certain folks. Cold temperatures, water, or anything extremely cold can cause an allergic reaction that could lead to anaphylaxis on rare occasions.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the allergic reaction is known as cold urticaria. This condition can manifest within a very short period of time after exposure to the cold. Cold urticaria produces itchy bumps on the exposed area. These bumps are also known as hives. Additionally, cold urticaria can progress to anaphylaxis. Therefore, it is essential to recognize early symptoms such as hives, swelling, and redness of the fingers or hands. It is also possible to experience swelling of the lips when drinking a cold beverage in susceptible people.

Per University Hospitals,  most triggers are unknown. In rare cases, the culprit may be an inherited reason from a genetic mutation. An anaphylactic reaction can present as palpitations and difficulty breathing, including wheezing. If you have a history of this reaction, you must discuss the symptoms with your doctor to determine if an Epi-Pen may be needed.

Alcoholic beverages can contain other allergens or ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction, such as tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and egg (via Erudus). If you are allergic to any of these substances, it is essential to read labels carefully and avoid beverages that contain them. Allergens can hide in alcohol and cause an anaphylactic reaction if you consume an alcoholic beverage without knowing the ingredients.

An allergy to alcohol occurs when the body's immune system perceives alcohol as a harmful substance and produces antibodies to try to remove it from the body (per WebMD). As a result, an allergic or anaphylactic reaction may occur. Furthermore, while alcohol allergies are uncommon, it could be triggered by just a sip or two of an alcoholic beverage.

According to a study published in Case Reports in Dermatology, another way that alcohol can cause anaphylaxis is through immunological reactions. It can begin as dermatitis and quickly advance to anaphylaxis. Fatal reactions have even been reported, necessitating further investigation. One possibility is that the individual is allergic to one of the ethanol constituents of the alcoholic beverage. Per the study, the allergen in the immune response came from the breakdown of ethanol into acetic acid. Therefore, acetic acid was discovered to be the contributor to anaphylaxis, not directly from ethanol as speculated but from the breakdown of ethanol into the byproduct acetic acid.

Food additives are substances added to food to improve its flavor, appearance, or preservation (via the World Health Organization). While most food additives are safe to consume, some people can have an allergic reaction to certain additives, known as an anaphylactic reaction.

Food additives reported to cause anaphylaxis reactions, according to a study published in the Interdisciplinary Journal of Allergy, Clinical Immunology, and Environmental Medicine, include preservatives, colorings, thickeners, and flavorings. For example, people allergic to sulfites, a common preservative found in dried fruit, wine, and processed foods, may develop anaphylaxis after consuming these products. Similarly, people allergic to food colorings such as yellow dye five and red dye 40 may produce anaphylaxis after consuming foods or beverages containing these additives.

According to The New York Times, while anaphylaxis can occur from ingesting food additives, most allergists believe it is uncommon. If you suspect you are allergic to a food additive or have previously had an anaphylactic reaction to one, you should seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action to determine what may be causing the adverse reaction. It is also critical to carefully read food labels and avoid products containing allergenic additives (via FARE).

A semen allergy, also known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity, is an uncommon allergic reaction to proteins found in seminal fluid (via Science Alert). It can cause symptoms such as genital redness, swelling, and itching. It can also cause anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting in severe cases.

Usually, the immune system protects the body from harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. In people with allergies, however, the immune system misidentifies a normally harmless substance as dangerous and mounts an immune response against it (via Pfizer). A study published in Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology found that in the case of a semen allergy and anaphylaxis, the immune system responds to proteins in the sperm by producing antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies cause histamine and other chemicals to be released, which can result in allergic symptoms.

The precise cause of a semen allergy is unknown. However, if you have a family history of allergies or a weakened immune system, you may be more prone to developing a semen allergy. A semen allergy may be treated by avoiding contact with semen. Additionally, desensitization therapy may help the body become less sensitive to the proteins in sperm. This is useful if pregnancy is desired, as mentioned in a Clinical and Molecular Allergy study. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment so that you and your partner can remain intimate.

There are various types of anesthesia; some are more likely to cause anaphylaxis than others. However, it is difficult to determine which ones may cause a reaction if there is no previous history of an allergy. According to a study published in Anesthesia Essays and Researches, anaphylaxis during anesthesia can be difficult to detect in the early stages because the patient is asleep, and the drapes used for the sterile field cover the skin, making any immediate skin reaction challenging to see.

One such concern with anesthesia is malignant hyperthermia, a rare, inherited condition that can result in a potentially fatal reaction to certain types of anesthesia, particularly inhaled anesthetics (per MedlinePlus). A rapid rise in body temperature, muscle rigidity, and an irregular heartbeat distinguish it. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as organ damage and death. People with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it.

An article published in The British Journal of Anaesthesia states that surgery is a standard medical procedure that frequently necessitates the administration of multiple medications, including antibiotics, anesthesia gases, sedatives, and pain relievers. Because all these medications are being administered simultaneously, patients are at a higher risk of developing an adverse reaction. Stay vigilant and discuss any potential allergies or sensitivities with your healthcare provider to ensure the safest and most successful surgery possible.