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Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets

Published on: September 6, 2019

Recurrent postpartum anaphylaxis with breast-feeding.

Jessica J Shank¹, Stacey C Olney, Fang L Lin

¹From the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Allergy & Immunology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

|July 23, 2009

Summary

Anaphylaxis during breastfeeding is rare but serious. Prophylaxis with corticosteroids and antihistamines may help prevent reactions, but the exact cause remains unclear.

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Obstetrics
Allergy

Background:

Anaphylaxis associated with breastfeeding presents a rare but significant clinical challenge.
Understanding the triggers and management of this condition is crucial for patient safety.

Observation:

A case study details a woman experiencing recurrent anaphylaxis during breastfeeding across multiple pregnancies.
Despite prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids and antihistamines in her fourth pregnancy, symptoms like urticaria and throat tightening recurred upon breastfeeding.
Epinephrine and antihistamines provided temporary relief, but symptoms reappeared with continued breastfeeding.

Findings:

The pathophysiology of breastfeeding-associated anaphylaxis is not fully understood.
Hormonal shifts postpartum, specifically decreased progesterone and increased prolactin, are hypothesized to contribute to mast cell degranulation.
This case adds to the limited reported instances of postpartum breastfeeding anaphylaxis.

Implications:

Prophylactic measures including corticosteroids and antihistamines may reduce the severity of anaphylactic episodes.
Avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended.
Further research into the hormonal and immunological mechanisms is warranted to improve management strategies.