Exercising is safe even when you suffer from a runny nose or other seasonal allergy symptoms. Taking an antihistamine to relieve your symptoms can make you feel better overall and might inspire you to exercise simply because you are feeling better. This class of drugs may also help to alleviate other medical conditions associated with physical activity.
Exercise-Induced Urticaria
Antihistamines are among the first-line treatments for exercise-induced urticaria, otherwise known as hives. Exercise-induced hives appear in some people within minutes of beginning a physical workout, and are thought to be an allergic response to foods or medications you have taken before engaging in physical activity. Antihistamine medications, in either over-the-counter or prescription strengths, may be used to both treat symptoms and prevent future episodes of the hives, flushing and breathing difficulties associated with the condition.
Post-Exercise Fainting
If you feel lightheaded and dizzy or faint after a workout, you could be suffering from low blood pressure associated with exercise. Post-exercise fainting can be reduced or prevented in some cases with antihistamine drugs that are usually prescribed to treat seasonal allergies and acid reflux. The University of Oregon published study findings in 2006 that suggest that giving athletes who faint after exercise fexofenadine or ranitidine before physical activity prevents the blood pressure drop that leads to fainting.
Effects on Performance
Antihistamines do not seem to have a proven negative effect on athletic performance, though the side effects of the drugs may not always be pleasant. The "foggy" feeling of fatigue that can result from taking some antihistamines, along with the drying of mouth and nasal passages, may make concentration on your workout more difficult. Staying hydrated throughout your exercise session may improve dry nose and mouth symptoms. Timing your allergy medication use to not coincide with your physical activity, if possible, may help you feel more energetic.
Warning
Olympic-level athletes who use antihistamines to combat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis or a cold virus need to be aware that certain over-the-counter cold and allergy medications are banned by the International Olympic Committee, or IOC. Antihistamines on their own, without added ingredients, are generally fine to use, but combination products that contain both antihistamines and decongestants may not be allowed. Decongestants are stimulant drugs and though in reality are likely not to enhance your performance, the IOC bans the substance on the chance that you could have an unfair advantage.
References
- Science Daily; Finding May Explain Biggest Cause of Post-Exercise Fainting; October 2006
- FamilyDoctor.org; Exercise-Induced Urticaria; October 2002
- "Sports Medicine"; Effects of Antihistamine Medications on Exercise Performance. Implications for Sportspeople; L. Montgomery and P. Deuster; March 1993
- Sports Injury Bulletin; The Effect of Cold and Flu Remedies on Performance, Recovery and the IOC; Chris McGrew
