Causes of Allergies
Allergies Causes: Book Excerpts
Allergies as a complication of other conditions:
Other conditions that might have
Allergies as a complication may,
potentially, be an underlying cause of Allergies.
Our database lists the following as having
Allergies as a complication of that condition:
Allergies as a symptom:
Conditions listing Allergies
as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Allergies.
Our database lists the following as having
Allergies as a symptom of that condition:
Medications or substances causing Allergies:
The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible
causes of Allergies as a symptom.
This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances
may cause your symptoms.
Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using,
including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
- Urecholine
- Duvoid
- Myotonachol
- Urabeth
- Bethanechol Chloride
- more drugs...»
See full list of 94
medications causing Allergies
What causes Allergies?
Causes: Allergies:
There are many causes of respiratory allergies and allergens can come from many sources. Common respiratory allergies are due to the inhaling of allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, or cockroach or dust mite droppings.
Inhaled allergens cause a respiratory reaction, such as sneezing and runny nose. Other types of allergies, such as food, drug, and insect sting allergies can also produce respiratory allergic symptoms. These can be severe and include shortness of breath and swelling of the throat.
Article excerpts about the
causes of Allergies:
Normally, the immune system functions as the body's defense against invading
agents such as bacteria and viruses. In most allergic reactions, however, the
immune system is responding to a false alarm. When an allergic person first
comes into contact with an allergen, the immune system treats the allergen as an
invader and mobilizes to attack. The immune system does this by generating large
amounts of a type of antibody (a disease-fighting protein) called immunoglobin
E, or IgE. Each IgE antibody is specific for one particular allergenic
(allergy-producing) substance. In the case of pollen allergy, the antibody is
specific for each type of pollen: one type of antibody may be produced to react
against oak pollen and another against ragweed pollen, for example. (Source: excerpt from Something in the Air Airborne Allergens: NIAID)
Medical news summaries relating to Allergies:
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Allergies:
Related information on causes of Allergies:
As with all medical conditions,
there may be many causal factors.
Further relevant information on causes of Allergies may be found in:
Causes of Allergies: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the causes of Allergies.
Urticaria:
Differential Diagnosis
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Idiopathic urticaria without angioedema
–Most common diagnosis in patients with hives
–Often related to food or drug allergies, bites, or stings
–25% of patients with one episode will progress to chronic urticaria
-
Chronic urticaria
–Idiopathic in 50% of cases
–Chronic idiopathic urticaria spontaneously
resolves within 2 years in 80% of patients
–Criterion for chronic urticaria is duration of more than 6 weeks
-
Occult infection (e.g., sinusitis, oral infection, cholecystitis, vaginitis, prostatitis, hepatitis, HIV, tinea manus or pedis)
-
Malignancy
-
Thyroid disease
-
Drugs (e.g., radiocontrast media, penicillin, salicylates, benzoates, azo dyes)
–May result in life-threatening episodes of urticaria and acute angioedema that can lead to anaphylaxis -
Urticaria secondary to physical stimuli [e.g., exercise (cholinergic), vibratory pressure, sun exposure (solar urticaria), cold exposure]
–Dermographism occurs in 5% of the population; manifests as a physical urticaria that arises in the distribution line of a scratch or rubbed skin area -
Hereditary or acquired deficiency of complement factor C1
–Generally appears as episodic angioedema in the absence of urticaria
–Only in the absence of urticaria should hereditary or acquired complement deficiency be considered
-
Angioedema-urticaria-eosinophilia syndrome
–Associated with elevated serum IgE, fever, and fluid retention during an acute attack -
Urticarial vasculitis
–Presents as urticaria that lasts longer than 12–24 hours
–Associated with autoimmune disease (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus)
-
Cutaneous mastocytosis/urticaria pigmentosa
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Urticaria:
Differential Diagnosis
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
- Urticaria
–Epidemiology: Lifetime incidence 20%; most cases resolve within 48 hours; chronic
>6 weeks
–Pathophysiology: Hypersensitivity reaction: allergens (IgE-mediated, prior sensitization), complement, and other cytokines activate mast cells and basophils to release histamine (also kinins, prostaglandins, serotonin) with plasma extravasation; wheals/hives: dermis edema
–Triggers: Most cases are idiopathic
–IgE-mediated: Insects (bees, wasps, scorpions, spiders, jellyfish), foods (eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, tomatoes), drugs (penicillins, cephalosporins, NSAIDs, barbiturates, amphetamines, insulin, blood products), pollen, danders, food additives
–Non-IgE-mediated: Infections (strep, EBV; hepatitis A, B, and C; adenovirus, enterovirus; fleas, mites), drugs (opiates, acetylsalicylic acid, local anesthetics), physical (exercise, cold/heat, UV light, water, pressure), contrast dyes, latex
-
Chronic urticaria: Associated with collagen vascular diseases (SLE, cryoglobulinemia), inflammatory bowel disease, malignancy, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, Behçet disease, vasculitis
-
Angioedema: 50% of urticaria cases; subcutaneous and mucous membrane edema
-
Anaphylaxis (IgE-mediated)
–Most potent foods: Peanuts, fish
–Mortality: 100–500 deaths/year in U.S.
–Associated shock has a poor prognosis
-
Hereditary angioedema
–High mortality
–Most cases are autosomal dominant
–C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency
–Recurrent episodes of edema (face, upper
airway, extremities)
–Triggers: Trauma, surgery
–Unresponsive to epinephrine, antihistamines
-
Others: Erythema multiforme, mastocytosis, guttate psoriasis, flushing, cellulitis
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urticaria [Hives]:
Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis — an acute reaction — is marked by the rapid eruption of diffuse urticaria and angioedema, with wheals ranging from pinpoint to palm-size or larger. Lesions are usually pruritic and stinging; paresthesia commonly precedes their eruption. Other acute findings include profound anxiety; weakness; diaphoresis; sneezing; shortness of breath; profuse rhinorrhea; nasal congestion; dysphagia; and warm, moist skin.
Hereditary angioedema
With hereditary angioedema — an autosomal dominant disorder — cutaneous involvement is manifested by nonpitting, nonpruritic edema of an extremity or the face. Respiratory mucosal involvement can produce life-threatening acute laryngeal edema.
Lyme disease
Although not diagnostic of Lyme disease — a tick-borne disease — urticaria may result from the characteristic skin lesion (erythema chronicum migrans). Later effects include constant malaise and fatigue, intermittent headache, fever, chills, lymphadenopathy, neurologic and cardiac abnormalities, and arthritis.
Other causes
Drugs
Drugs that can produce urticaria include aspirin, codeine, dextrans, immune serums, insulin, morphine, penicillin, quinine, sulfonamides, and vaccines.
Radiographic contrast medium
Radiographic contrast medium, especially when administered I.V., commonly produces urticaria.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Allergic purpuras:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The most common identifiable cause of allergic purpura is probably an autoimmune reaction directed against vascular walls, triggered by a bacterial infection (particularly streptococcal infection). Typically, upper respiratory tract infection occurs 1 to 3 weeks before the onset of symptoms. Other possible causes include allergic reactions to some drugs and vaccines, to insect bites, and to some foods (such as wheat, eggs, milk, and chocolate).
Allergic purpura affects more males than females and is most prevalent in children ages 3 to 7. The prognosis is more favorable for children than adults.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Allergic rhinitis:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Hay fever reflects an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated type I hypersensitivity response to an environmental antigen (allergen) in a genetically susceptible individual. In most cases, it’s induced by windborne pollens: in the spring by tree pollens (oak, elm, maple, alder, birch, and cottonwood), in the summer by grass pollens (sheep sorrel and English plantain), and in the fall by weed pollens (ragweed). Occasionally, hay fever is induced by allergy to fungal spores. In addition to individual sensitivity and geographical differences in plant population, the amount of pollen in the air can be a factor in determining whether symptoms develop. Hot, dry, windy days have more pollen than cool, damp, rainy days.
In perennial allergic rhinitis, inhaled allergens provoke antigen responses that produce recurring symptoms year-round. The allergens trigger antibody production and histamine release, producing itching, swelling, and mucus. The major perennial allergens and irritants include dust mites, feather pillows, mold, cigarette smoke, upholstery, and animal dander. Seasonal pollen allergy may exacerbate signs and symptoms of perennial rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis is the most common atopic allergic reaction, affecting more than 20 million Americans. It’s most prevalent in young children and adolescents but can occur in all age groups.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Latex allergy:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Approximately 1% of the population has a latex allergy. Anyone who is in frequent contact with latex-containing products is at risk for developing a latex allergy. (See Products that contain latex, page 358.)The more frequent the exposure, the higher the risk. The populations at highest risk are medical and dental professionals, workers in latex companies, and patients with spina bifida.
Other individuals at risk include:
❑ patients with a history of asthma or other allergies, especially to bananas, avocados, tropical fruits, or chestnuts
❑ patients with a history of multiple intra-abdominal or genitourinary surgeries
❑ patients who require frequent intermittent urinary catheterization.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Urticaria and angioedema:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Urticaria and angioedema are common allergic reactions that may occur in 20% of the general population. The causes of these reactions include allergy to drugs, foods, insect bites and stings and, occasionally, inhalant allergens (animal dander and cosmetics) that provoke an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated response to protein allergens. However, certain drugs may cause urticaria without an IgE response. When urticaria and angioedema are part of an anaphylactic reaction, they almost always persist long after the systemic response has subsided. This occurs because circulation to the skin is the last to be restored after an allergic reaction, which results in slow histamine reabsorption at the reaction site.
Nonallergic urticaria and angioedema are also related to histamine release. External physical stimuli, such as cold (usually in young adults), heat, water, or sunlight, may also provoke urticaria and angioedema. Dermographism urticaria, which develops after stroking or scratching of the skin, occurs in as much as 20% of the population. Such urticaria develops with varying pressure, usually under tight clothing, and is aggravated by scratching.
Several different mechanisms and underlying disorders may provoke urticaria and angioedema. These include IgE-induced release of mediators from cutaneous mast cells; binding of IgG or IgM to antigen, resulting in complement activation; and such disorders as localized or secondary infections (such as respiratory infection), neoplastic diseases (such as Hodgkin’s disease), connective tissue diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus), collagen vascular diseases, and psychogenic diseases.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Urticaria [Hives]:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Anaphylaxis
This life-threatening reaction is marked by the rapid eruption of diffuse urticaria and angioedema, with wheals ranging from pinpoint to palm-size or larger. Lesions are usually pruritic and stinging and preceded by paresthesia. Other acute findings include profound anxiety, weakness, diaphoresis, sneezing, shortness of breath, profuse rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, dysphagia, and warm, moist skin.
Lyme disease
Urticaria may result from the characteristic skin lesion (erythema chronicum migrans) produced by this tick-borne disease. Later effects include constant malaise and fatigue, intermittent headache, fever, chills, lymphadenopathy, neurologic and cardiac abnormalities, and arthritis.
Other causes
Drugs
Many drugs can produce urticaria. Among the most common are aspirin, atropine, codeine, dextrans, immune serums, insulin, morphine, penicillin, quinine, sulfonamides, and vaccines. In addition, radiographic contrast media commonly produce urticaria, especially when administered I.V.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Urticaria/Angioedema:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Ingestants
❑ Drugs
❑ Inhalants
❑ Hymenoptera venom
❑ Latex sensitivity
❑ Dermatographism
❑ Pressure urticaria
❑ Cholinergic urticaria
❑ Cold urticaria
❑ Solar urticaria
❑ Infection
❑ Urticarial vasculitis
❑ Hereditary angioedema
❑ Mastocytosis
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
anaphylaxis:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
The causes of anaphylactic reaction are ingestion of or other systemic exposure to a sensitizing drug or other substance.
Sensitizing substances
Sensitizing substances include serums (usually horse serum), vaccines, allergen extracts, enzymes (such as l-asparaginase), hormones, penicillin and other antibiotics, sulfonamides, local anesthetics, salicylates, polysaccharides, diagnostic chemicals (sulfobromophthalein, sodium dehydrocholate, and radiographic contrast media), foods (legumes, nuts, berries, seafood, and egg albumin) and sulfite-containing food additives, and insect venom (honeybees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, fire ants, mosquitoes, and certain spiders).
A common cause of anaphylaxis is penicillin, which induces anaphylaxis in 1 to 4 of every 10,000 patients treated with it. Penicillin is most likely to induce anaphylaxis after parenteral administration or prolonged therapy and in atopic patients who are allergic to other drugs or foods.
Pathophysiology
An anaphylactic reaction requires previous sensitization or exposure to the specific antigen, resulting in the production of specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E antibodies by plasma cells. This antibody production takes place in the lymph nodes and is enhanced by helper T cells. IgE antibodies then bind to membrane receptors on mast cells (found throughout connective tissue, often near small blood vessels) and basophils.
On reexposure, the antigen binds to adjacent IgE antibodies or cross-linked IgE receptors, activating a series of cellular reactions that trigger degranulation — the release of powerful preformed chemical mediators (such as histamine, prostaglandins, and platelet activating factor) from mast cell stores. IgG or IgM enters into the reaction and activates the release of complement fractions.
This acute phase of the response occurs within minutes of exposure. Because of the systemic nature of the exposure, activation of mast cells is widespread, and the massive release of these powerful mediators near blood vessels leads to vascular collapse by stimulating contraction of certain groups of smooth muscles and by increasing vascular permeability. In turn, increased vascular permeability leads to decreased peripheral resistance and plasma leakage from the circulation to extravascular tissues (which lowers blood volume, causing hypotension, hypovolemic shock, and cardiac dysfunction).
In the later phase of this response (8 to 12 hours later), other mediators are synthesized and released, including chemokines, leukotrienes, and cytokines. These agents mediate the inflammatory response by recruiting eosinophils and lymphocytes. This delayed response may be less dramatic than the acute phase of anaphylaxis, but with a diffuse inflammatory response, further smooth-muscle contraction and edema can occur and progress to grave systemic symptoms.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Allergic purpura:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
The most common identifiable cause of allergic purpura is probably an autoimmune reaction directed against vascular walls, triggered by a bacterial infection (particularly streptococcal infection). Typically, an upper respiratory tract infection occurs 1 to 3 weeks before the onset of symptoms. Other possible causes include allergic reactions to some drugs and vaccines, allergic reactions to insect bites, and allergic reactions to some foods (such as wheat, eggs, milk, and chocolate).
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Allergic rhinitis:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Hay fever reflects an immunoglobulin (Ig) E–mediated, type I hypersensitivity response to an environmental antigen (allergen) in a genetically susceptible individual. In most cases, it’s induced by wind-borne pollens: in spring, by tree pollens (oak, elm, maple, alder, birch, cottonwood); in summer, by grass pollens (crabgrass, bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass); and in fall, by weed pollens (ragweed). Occasionally, hay fever is induced by allergy to fungal spores.
With perennial allergic rhinitis, inhaled allergens provoke antigen responses that produce recurring symptoms year-round.
The major perennial allergens and irritants include dust mites, feather pillows, mold, cigarette smoke, upholstery, and animal dander. Seasonal pollen allergy may exacerbate symptoms of perennial rhinitis.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Urticaria and angioedema:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Urticaria and angioedema are common allergic reactions. Causes include allergy to drugs, foods, insect stings and, occasionally, inhalants, such as animal dander and cosmetics, that provoke an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated response to protein allergens. However, certain drugs may cause urticaria without an IgE response.
When urticaria and angioedema are part of an anaphylactic reaction, they almost always persist long after the systemic response has subsided. This occurs because circulation to the skin is inhibited after an allergic reaction, which results in slow histamine reabsorption at the reaction site. Nonallergic urticaria and angioedema are probably also related to histamine release.
External physical stimuli, such as cold (usually in young adults), heat, water, or sunlight, may provoke urticaria and angioedema. Dermographism urticaria develops with varying pressure, usually under tight clothing, and is aggravated by scratching.
Several different mechanisms and underlying disorders may provoke urticaria and angioedema. These include IgE-induced release of mediators from cutaneous mast cells; binding of IgG or IgM, resulting in complement activation; localized or secondary infections such as respiratory infection; neoplastic diseases such as Hodgkin’s disease; connective tissue diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus; collagen vascular diseases; and psychogenic diseases.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Urticaria:
Medical causes
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Anaphylaxis
An acute reaction, anaphylaxis is marked by the rapid eruption of diffuse urticaria and angioedema, with wheals ranging from pinpoint to palm-size or larger. Lesions are usually pruritic and stinging; paresthesia commonly precedes their eruption. Other acute findings include profound anxiety, weakness, diaphoresis, sneezing, shortness of breath, profuse rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, dysphagia, and warm, moist skin.
Hereditary angioedema
An autosomal dominant disorder, cutaneous involvement is manifested by nonpitting, nonpruritic edema of an extremity or the face. Respiratory mucosal involvement can produce life-threatening acute laryngeal edema.
Lyme disease
Although not diagnostic of this tick-borne disease, urticaria may result from the characteristic skin lesion (erythema chronicum migrans). Later effects include constant malaise and fatigue, intermittent headache, fever, chills, lymphadenopathy, neurologic and cardiac abnormalities, and arthritis.
Other causes
Drugs
Many drugs can cause urticaria; the most common include aspirin, atropine, codeine, dextran, immune serums, insulin, morphine, penicillin, quinine, sulfonamides, and vaccines. In addition, radiographic contrast medium commonly produces urticaria, especially when administered intravenously.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Urticaria:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is marked by the rapid eruption of diffuse urticaria and angioedema, with wheals ranging from pinpoint to palm-size or larger. Lesions are usually pruritic and stinging; paresthesia commonly precedes their eruption. Other acute findings include profound anxiety; weakness; diaphoresis; sneezing; shortness of breath; profuse rhinorrhea; nasal congestion; dysphagia; and warm, moist skin.
Hereditary angioedema
Hereditary angioedema is an autosomal dominant disorder in which cutaneous involvement is manifested by nonpitting, nonpruritic edema of an extremity or the face. Respiratory mucosal involvement can produce life-threatening acute laryngeal edema.
Lyme disease
Although not diagnostic of this tick-borne disease, urticaria may result from the characteristic skin lesion (erythema chronicum migrans). Later effects of Lyme disease include constant malaise and fatigue, intermittent headache, fever, chills, lymphadenopathy, neurologic and cardiac abnormalities, and arthritis.
Other causes
Drugs
Many drugs can produce urticaria. Among the most common are aspirin, atropine, codeine, dextrans, immune serums, insulin, morphine, penicillin, quinine, sulfonamides, and vaccines. In addition, radiographic contrast medium commonly produces urticaria, especially when administered I.V.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Urticaria [Hives]:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Anaphylaxis.Anaphylaxis—an acute allergic reaction—is marked by the rapid eruption of diffuse urticaria and angioedema, with wheals ranging from pinpoint to palm-size or larger. Lesions are usually pruritic and stinging; paresthesia commonly precedes their eruption. Other acute findings include profound anxiety, weakness, diaphoresis, sneezing, shortness of breath, profuse rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, dysphagia, and warm, moist skin.
Hereditary angioedema.With hereditary angioedema, cutaneous involvement is manifested by nonpitting, nonpruritic edema of an extremity or the face. Respiratory mucosal involvement can produce life-threatening acute laryngeal edema.
Lyme disease.Although not diagnostic of Lyme disease, urticaria may result from the characteristic skin lesion (erythema chronicum migrans). Later effects include constant malaise and fatigue, intermittent headache, fever, chills, lymphadenopathy, neurologic and cardiac abnormalities, and arthritis.
Other causes
Drugs.Drugs that can produce urticaria include aspirin, codeine, dextrans, immune serums, insulin, morphine, penicillin, quinine, sulfonamides, and vaccines.
Radiographic contrast medium.Radiographic contrast medium, especially when administered I.V., commonly produces urticaria.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Millions suffer from springtime allergies. But experts do have a handle on what sufferers can do to cope with this common problem. Allergies no...
Allergies can leave children feeling sniffly, teary and itchy and take their toll at play and at school. Previously, allergy remedies left children...
What is an allergy and what is it that causes some people to suffer from them? Why do allergies flare up during certain times of the year? Learn...
Sneezing in the sitting room? Coughing in the kitchen? Many common allergens occur primarily indoors and can make your life miserable. Join our panel...
See full list of 15 related videos
» Next page: Risk Factors for Allergies
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
