Although it is unknown what causes most types of vasculitis, immune system abnormality, inflammation of blood vessels, and genetic factors appear to be somewhat important in the cause of the disease. Vasculitis can also be caused by an immune or allergic reaction in the vessel walls.
Allergic reaction: The hypersensitive response of the immune system of an allergic individual to a substance. When an allergen enters the body, it causes the body's immune system to develop an allergic reaction in a person with an allergy to it. This reaction can occur when the immune system attacks a normally harmless substance (the allergen). The immune system calls upon a protective antibody called immunoglobulin E or IgE to fight these invading substances.
â¢ Allergic drug reactions account for 5 to 10% of all adverse drug reactions. Any drug has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. â¢ Symptoms of adverse drug reactions include cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. â¢ Skin reactions (i.e. rashes, itching) are the most common form of allergic drug reaction. â¢ Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, monoclonal antibodies, anti-seizure drugs and ACE inhibitors are frequent causes of allergic drug reactions.