Exercise-induced allergies are a rare form of a physical allergy. If you are diagnosed with this you might suffer from skin irritations, hypotension or anaphylaxis upon exercise. If you believe that you are affected by exercise-induced allergies, consult your doctor for the most effective treatment for you.
Symptoms
Exercise-induced allergies manifest themselves through the skin or the respiratory system, according to a 2001 article by lead author Robert G. Hosey, M.D., and colleagues published in "American Family Physician." Hives can appear on the skin upon physical activity. If you have previously been affected by allergies, you risk anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is respiratory distress during which shortness of breath and a change in heart rate occur. Hives and anaphylaxis can occur simultaneously or individually.
Causes
Hives or anaphylaxis upon exercise may be induced by certain foods or medications. According to Hosey and colleagues, aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs are the most likely to cause an allergic reaction. Foods that have been linked to an exercise-induced allergy are seafood, celery, wheat and cheeses.
Types
According to the "American Family Physician" article, there are three types of reactions that you can get if you suffer from exercise-induced allergies. Cholinergic urticaria, or hives, are small bumps that begin on the chest and throat and spread to the rest of the body. Hives typically last 15 to 20 minutes. Classic anaphylaxis is when the respiratory system becomes obstructed due to an inflammation of cells, as well as a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. Variant exercise-induced anaphylaxis begins as small hives and progresses to a classic anaphylactic reaction.
Pathophysiology
An increase in histamine levels in the blood may trigger your body's allergic reaction. In a 1983 study by Dr. Albert Sheffer and colleagues published in "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology," subjects that had previously suffered from exercise-induced allergies were monitored while running on a treadmill. Blood plasma histamine levels were taken before exercise and while allergic symptoms were present. The study showed that histamine levels increased after exercise, but began returning to normal after 20 minutes of rest.
Treatment
If you are affected by exercise-induced allergies, there are steps to take to reduce your risk of facing serious harm. Hosey, et al., suggest avoiding exercise after eating or taking medications. Always carry epinephrine and exercise with a partner who is aware of your condition and knows what to do if anaphylaxis should occur. You can also take steps to journal and monitor your reactions and what you ate or took before exercising. This can help correlate your behaviors to an allergic reaction. Histamines can also help minimize reactions. Before taking any medications or if you think you have an exercise-induced allergy, consult your physician.
