Have you ever experienced an allergic reaction after exercising? You may have felt shortness of breath and a need for an immediate asthma treatment. While this reaction is rare, exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a potentially severe allergic reaction that may follow physical exertion. At Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, we are committed to the safety of our Atlanta patients through allergy education, diagnosis and treatment. So with those factors in mind, here is a closer look at exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
What Is Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction affecting the entire body. If not treated quickly, anaphylaxis may lead to respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, and even death. Peanuts and bee stings are a common cause of anaphylaxis. In some people, anaphylaxis may even be triggered by exercise. There are two standard terms associated with this issue.
- Exercise-induced anaphylaxis – A person experiences anaphylaxis following physical exertion (without consuming food prior to exercise).
- Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis – A person with a food allergy consumes the allergen in question within a few hours of exercising, and subsequently goes into anaphylactic shock.
What Are the Main Causes of Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis?
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis may occur during any strenuous physical activity. The reaction is most likely to occur after eating foods or taking medications that are known allergic triggers. Foods and medications frequently associated with exercise-induced anaphylaxis include:
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Seafood
- Aspirin
- Anti-inflammatories
Factors such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, and hormonal changes may trigger an allergic reaction.
The Primary Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
Symptoms of exercise-induced anaphylaxis may come on suddenly and escalate quickly. Many of these symptoms resemble the common signs of asthma. Typical symptoms include:
- Hives
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Swelling
- Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing
- Shock
- Loss of consciousness
Steps to Take if You Experience Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
You should immediately stop and rest if you feel early symptoms of an allergic reaction. You should call 911 immediately if you are with someone showing symptoms of anaphylactic shock including difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or a weak and rapid pulse. Ask the person if they have emergency medication, such as an epinephrine auto-injector, and help them use it if available. You should stay with the person until emergency help arrives and be prepared to give CPR if the individual becomes unresponsive and stops breathing.
How to Prevent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
You should identify and avoid known allergy triggers. Avoid exercising during peak allergy times or in high temperatures and humidity. Read food labels carefully to avoid potential food allergens. You should also ask your doctor about prescribing an epinephrine auto-injector. Make sure you follow safety precautions while exercising such as:
- Exercise with a buddy who is aware of your condition.
- Make sure you have your cell phone with you while exercising.
- Make sure you have your auto-injector with you at all times. You should check your auto-injector frequently to ensure it isn’t expired.
- Make sure those around you know how to use the auto-injector and how to perform CPR.
Long-Term Treatment for Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is life-threatening, but it is typically avoidable and treatable with quick action. The first step is to identify and avoid known allergy triggers. The second is to have an emergency plan in place in the event you should experience an anaphylactic reaction. With proper precautions, you should still be able to enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle.
Allergy Testing for Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis Prevention
Diagnosing allergies, allergic asthma, exercise-induced anaphylaxis and other conditions requires the help of an experienced allergist. While you may have some ideas about your condition, many asthma symptoms and allergy signs are quite similar. Speak with your Atlanta allergist for guidance on allergy and asthma testing procedures to better understand what’s going on. With the knowledge obtained from a precise diagnosis, you can maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Get Treatment for Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis is likely connected to a food allergy of some kind. Make an appointment at one of the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center clinic locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Call us at (678) 668–4688.
