What are common causes of anaphylaxis?
The causes of anaphylaxis are divided into two major groups: • IgE mediated: This form is the true anaphylaxis that requires an initial sensitizing exposure, the coating of mast cells and basophils (cells in the blood and tissue that secrete the substances that cause allergic reactions, known as mediators) by IgE, and the explosive release of chemical mediators upon re-exposure. • Non-IgE mediated: These reactions, the so called “anaphylactoid” reactions, are similar to those of true anaphylaxis, but do not require an IgE immune reaction. They are usually caused by the direct stimulation of the mast cells and basophils. The same mediators as occur with true anaphylaxis are released and the same effects are produced. This reaction can happen, and often does, on initial as well as subsequent exposures, since no sensitization is required. The terms anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid (meaning “like anaphylaxis”) are both used to describe this severe, allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is used to de
