If you lift weights or you're attempting to increase your muscle mass, you may be taking creatine to help enhance your performance. Creatine is a common supplement used to aid in working out and weightlifting. Creatine is a natural chemical found in the human body that is primarily produced in the pancreas, liver and kidney, according to Drugs.com. The chemical can also be found naturally in fish and meat. Using creatine can cause various allergic reactions. If you develop an adverse reaction, call your doctor and stop using the supplement.
Allergic Reaction
Although creatine is naturally occurring in your body, you can still develop an allergic reaction when taking creatine supplements. Anytime you introduce a chemical into your body, there is a chance of the body reacting. If your immune system doesn't identify the supplement as safe for the body, it will begin to attack the supplement with antibodies that attempt to rid the body of the ingested creatine, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The reaction that releases antibodies also causes mast cells in soft tissue to produce histamine. Histamine released in large quantities will lead to inflammation, which causes most allergy symptoms.
Digestive System
Histamine created in the lining of your digestive tract will cause various symptoms to develop within minutes of ingesting the supplement. You can develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, bloating, gas and abdominal pain. Most digestive symptoms only last a few hours and should subside once the allergen is expelled from your body. If you cannot stop vomiting or develop diarrhea for more than one day, call your doctor. Blood in your vomit or stool is an alarming symptom that needs to be assessed by your doctor.
Skin Complications
The skin is the largest organ in the body and is commonly the first place symptoms develop from an allergic reaction. If you've been diagnosed with eczema, an allergic reaction to creatine can cause an eczema flare-up. Eczema is a long-term skin condition that causes blisters to develop primarily on your face, arms and legs. Hives are a common skin rash that can develop anywhere on the body. Hives are identified by clusters of welts that are extremely itchy and red. Hives are harmless unless they form in your throat or inner-ear.
Respiratory System Reactions
Histamine created in your lungs and sinuses will cause respiratory system complications. You can develop asthma-like symptoms, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and difficulty taking a breath. If your sinus cavity becomes inflamed, you will develop congestion, sinus pain, headaches and facial tenderness.
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