Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Stay Safe
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You might know that anaphylaxis – a severe allergic reaction – can occur in response to triggers such as nuts, insect bites, and certain medications.But physical activity can also induce anaphylaxis.Known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA), this rare condition affects about 0.05 percent of people at some point in life. But EIA is serious and perhaps life threatening, so it’s crucial to know how to recognize the symptoms and respond properly – and promptly.
Keep reading to learn more about EIA, including how food can be involved in these reactions and how to exercise safely with the condition.
What Is Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis?
Definition
EIA is a subgroup of anaphylaxis associated with physical activity, with or without another trigger.”In its classic form, someone goes for a jog in the park, for example, and along the way – oftentimes with strenuous exertion – they begin to develop features of anaphylaxis,” says Sebastian Lighvani, MD, a board-certified allergist at Northwell Health’s Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “That reaction can be anything from itching, hives, and swelling all the way to difficulty breathing and even anaphylactic shock.” Like regular anaphylaxis, “This reaction can happen in someone who’s never had issues before,” he says.
What Are the Symptoms of Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis?
Symptoms
Signs of EIA can include any of the following, during or shortly after exercise:
confusion
Difficulty breathing
Feeling dizzy or faint
Hives
Nausea and vomiting
Pale, clammy skin
Sudden cough or wheezing
Sudden sleepiness
* Swelling of the throat, tongue, or upper airway, which can cause difficulty swallowing or a hoarse voice
If any of these symptoms start, stop exercising right away. “You’re not going to fix this problem just by stopping exercise,” though, says Dr. Lighvani. You’ll also need to treat yourself with an injectable epinephrine device or nasal spray and get to the emergency room right away.
What Causes Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis?
Causes
Sometimes, exercise alone can trigger EIA. “Cardio activities like running, dancing, or aerobic workouts are more commonly associated with it, but any exercise – including strength training or walking – can be a trigger in sensitive individuals,” says Inderpal Randhawa, MD, a board-certified allergist and pulmonologist and the founder of the Food allergy Institute in Long Beach, California.
Eating a certain food prior to physical activity can also cause EIA. Known as food-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA), this