A case of idiopathic anaphylaxis associated with respiratory infections.
BACKGROUND
Anaphylaxis is associated with IgE-mediated reactions to foods, drugs, and other allergens. Exercise-induced anaphylaxis and food plus exercise-induced anaphylaxis have been reported. Anaphylactoid reactions with no mechanisms determined have been described with radiographic contrast media. Idiopathic anaphylaxis by definition is anaphylaxis with no identifiable external allergen or stimulus. In our series of more than 350 patients with idiopathic anaphylaxis, extensive evaluation has failed to identify a cause for the anaphylaxis.


OBJECTIVE
To report a first case of idiopathic anaphylaxis associated with coryzal symptoms.


METHODS
A patient was evaluated for idiopathic anaphylaxis. Appropriate therapy was initiated.


RESULTS
The patient's anaphylactic episodes are related to the occurrence of coryzal symptoms but no clear IgE-mediated mechanism was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first reported association of anaphylaxis with an inciting factor of infection.
Mazur
N
N
Division of Allergy-Immunology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Patterson
R
R
Perlman
D
D
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000150:complications*
D007073:Immunoglobulin E