Idiopathic anaphylaxis

Idiopathic means a medical condition that arises from an unknown cause. Therefore, idiopathic anaphylaxis is anaphylaxis when the cause of the reaction is not known, despite seeing an allergy specialist and having investigations done. This does not mean the reaction took place without something triggering it; it simply means that no trigger can be identified. Before making a diagnosis of idiopathic anaphylaxis, the allergy specialist will take a detailed history, examination and perform tests. Conditions that can mimic anaphylaxis will need to be excluded. 

People with known allergies can often reduce their risk by avoiding their trigger, those with idiopathic anaphylaxis may not be able to prevent episodes in the same way. As a result, carrying an adrenaline device and ASCIA Action Plan are especially important. 

People with idiopathic anaphylaxis can experience even more anxiety than people with a known trigger for their anaphylaxis.

For more information go to Idiopathic Anaphylaxis – Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)