Severe Allergic Reactions

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The Issue

Life-threatening, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to foods, insect bites and other triggers are on the rise in Canada. Fortunately, they can largely be avoided or treated.

Background

Severe allergic reactions (e.g. anaphylactic shock) occur when the body's immune system reacts to a particular allergen or irritant. These reactions can be triggered by certain foods or food ingredients, insect stings and medications.

The most common food products that cause reactions are peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, wheat, eggs, milk and seafood. Foods account for most of the cases in children, while drugs and antibiotics like penicillin are more likely to cause a reaction in adults. Stings from yellow jackets, hornets, wasps and bees are the most common cause of insect reactions. Some individuals also experience severe allergic reactions to natural latex rubber.

Severe allergic reactions affect primarily the skin, the upper and lower respiratory systems, the gastrointestinal system and the cardiovascular system. It is estimated that 600,000 Canadians (two percent of the population) may be affected by life-threatening allergies, and the numbers are increasing, especially among children.

Health Effects of Severe Allergic Reactions