People who have had an episode of anaphylaxis are at risk for future episodes. A mild first reaction doesn’t rule out the possibility that future reactions will be more severe. That’s why it’s important that you carry self-injectable epinephrine if you’re at risk. Understanding anaphylaxis and the things that can trigger this severe allergic reaction will help you manage your condition. Ask your allergist for more information about testing, diagnosis and a disease management plan.

Food is the most common trigger for anaphylaxis. Severe allergic reactions to foods such as peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds and cashews), fish, shellfish, cow’s milk and eggs account for about half of all anaphylaxis cases and 100 U.S. deaths each year.

Stings from insects such as bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants are the cause of about 500,000 allergy-related emergency room visits each year and at least 40 U.S. deaths from anaphylaxis.

Medications also can cause anaphylaxis, especially penicillin. Other commonly used medications that can trigger anaphylaxis include aspirin, anesthetics, antibiotics and pain relievers like ibuprofen.

Latex can trigger an allergic reaction in up to 6 percent of Americans, a number that’s increased in recent years because of more common use of latex in medical products like disposable gloves, syringes, stethoscopes and adhesive tapes. Health care workers, other workers who typically wear gloves and children with spina bifida are at greatest risk of latex-induced anaphylaxis.

About half of all severe allergic reactions are caused by unknown sources. This is called “idiopathic” anaphylaxis.