Anaphylaxis Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic condition that affects all ages, and research suggests that prevalence is increasing worldwide. The changing epidemiology of anaphylaxis is attributable to factors such as improved diagnosis, new drug therapies, climate change, and changes in national and international guidelines. Risk factors for severe and fatal anaphylaxis include older age, lung disease, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, cardiovascular disease, and mast cell disorders. Furthermore, epidemiology of anaphylaxis is variable depending on the trigger. Understanding anaphylaxis epidemiology is important to support identification of patients at higher risk and candidates for therapies that can reduce future anaphylaxis risk.