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Abstract
Other less likely causes of systemic reactions consistent with the case histories may include the introduction of unrecognized toxins, exercise-induced anaphylaxis, idiopathic anaphylaxis, or idiosyncratic vasovagal reactions to abrasions. Since none of the subjects had exercised before the anaphylactic event and none had had similar symptoms with exercise, it is unlikely that the cause of the anaphylaxis was a variant of exercise-induced anaphylaxis.5 6 7 It is also doubtful that the patients had the syndrome termed idiopathic anaphylaxis,1, 8 9 10 since none had previous or subsequent episodes of anaphylaxis (one-year follow-up). In addition to grass pollens, there are also some weed pollens, mold spores, and airborne insect parts that may be encountered with relatively high frequency during this period.11 However, analysis of the index cases by history taking and skin testing revealed a strong association between seasonal rhinitis in the grass-pollination period and positive skin tests to grass-pollen extracts, indicating that grass pollen is most probably the allergen responsible for the anaphylactic reactions. Since only two known cases (of 29 total cases) of anaphylaxis occurred that were unrelated to abrasion injuries, it is unlikely that inhalation of grass pollen is sufficient to cause the syndrome. [...]it seems most likely that Alpine Slide anaphylaxis is caused by an allergic reaction to grass pollens introduced through skin abrasions into persons who are allergic to grass. [...]it seems appropriate to recommend that warnings of the possibility of anaphylactic reactions be posted at the slide to alert persons who are allergic to grass pollens, and that personnel at the slides be trained in the treatment of anaphylaxis.