Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is considered a life-threatening generalized or systemic allergic (or hypersensitivity) reaction with sudden onset (minutes to a few hours) (Simons et al ICON 2014). Many different definitions exist but most include similar details.

It is suggested that increased awareness of anaphylaxis is needed among healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers and the public to ensure optimal treatments are achieved (Simons et al ICON 2014). In addition, it is proposed that as a clinical emergency, all healthcare professionals need to be able to recognize and manage it (Muraro et al 2021).

The prevalence of the various causes of anaphylaxis are age-dependent and vary geographically (Muraro et al 2021). Although the fatality rate due to anaphylaxis remains low (Bilo et al 2020) the frequency of hospitalizations due to food and drug-induced anaphylaxis has increased in recent years (Turner et al 2015).

Anaphylaxis & CMPA

What causes anaphylaxis in infants?

In Europe, food-induced anaphylaxis in children is typically from peanut, hazelnut, milk, and egg; and in adults, wheat, celery, and shellfish (Grabenhenrich LB et al 2016; Worm et al 2014). Venom-induced anaphylaxis is typically caused by wasps and bees (Muraro et al 2021).

Could it be a symptom of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy?

Anaphylactic reactions commonly occur in the home setting (48%) and it’s been reported that food is the most common trigger (85% of cases) (Silva et al 2008). Of these foods, cow’s milk, peanut and tree nuts are among the most common causes of food-induced anaphylaxis in children (Flom & Scherer 2019; Taylor et al 2012).

In one study they reported that cow’s milk accounted for 21% of 39 fatalities in children less than 16 years of age (Turner et al 2015). It has also been identified in several reports of food-induced fatalities in infants (Younker and Soar 2010).