Which of the following is the MOST common cause of allergic reactions?

The most common cause of allergic reactions is medications. This is due to the wide variety of substances that can trigger allergic responses in individuals. Medications can contain multiple ingredients that may provoke an immune response, and they are frequently used in healthcare settings, increasing the likelihood of exposure. Common culprits include antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and anesthetics.

While other options like latex, milk, and seafood can certainly cause allergic reactions, they are not as prevalent as medications in the general population. For instance, latex allergies primarily affect healthcare workers and those who have frequent exposure to latex products. Milk and seafood allergies often present in specific age groups or populations but are less widespread than medication allergies overall. Thus, medications stand out as the leading cause of allergic reactions, particularly in emergency and clinical contexts.