Exercise-Induced Allergies

Some people dislike exercise and claim they are allergic, but exercise-induced allergies really do exist.

When starting a new exercise plan, it's common to feel winded, out of breath, flushed, dizzy and exhausted. Less common, are these symptoms when you exercise regularly for months and haven't changed intensity or duration. If you experience these symptoms and you are physically fit and exercise regularly, you may have exercise-induced allergies.

Exercise-induced allergies may hit during or after exercise. It can trigger an asthma attack in people who have a history of asthma. But, in exercise-induced allergy sufferers, they may only experience asthma while they exercise. This type of asthma is more likely during really cold weather when the air is very dry. People may have difficulty breathing, cough, wheeze and need to use their inhaler to breath normally.

On rare occasions, strenuous exercise can cause a potentially severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. In this type of reaction, breathing becomes difficult, blood pressure may decrease causing dizziness and fainting. This type of reaction is often found in people allergic to specific foods such as shellfish or peanut allergies. However, people with exercise-induced allergies can experience the same symptoms when they eat specific foods prior to exercise without a negative reaction. Once the individual begins to exercise, an anaphylactic reaction may occur. An epinephrine pen (Epi-pen) can save this individual's life in this circumstance because an anaphylactic reaction can be dangerous and life threatening.

So how can you find out if you have exercise-induced allergies? You will have to talk to your doctor. Symptoms typically are triggered once you exercise and occur after 5-10 minutes of moderate to intense exercise. A diagnosis will be based on your symptoms and how they relate to exercising. Your doctor may perform an exercise challenge test. This test measures lung function before, during, and after exercise on a treadmill or recumbent bike.

For people with asthma, taking medicine to control asthma symptoms prior to exercising prevents symptoms. Additionally, people with exercise-induced anaphylactic reactions will need to avoid eating the food causing these reactions several hours prior to exercising. An epi-pen should always be carried for emergency treatment in the event of this type of reaction. It is also always recommended that you exercise with someone or in a public place.

Living with exercise-induced allergies follows the same methods as living with any type of allergy. Once you are aware of your symptoms, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis, you can find effective ways to live a normal healthy life. Products such as Allergena-Allergy can help your body heal itself and decrease symptoms of allergies, especially when taken with traditional treatments. Make sure to speak with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.