Rare and Serious Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis
Risk Factors and Prevention Steps for This Uncommon Condition
Feb 27, 2009
Anything that can trigger anaphylaxis needs to be taken seriously. Even though this condition is rare, and not common in children, it still needs to be considered in terms of prevention. This is especially true for people who already have existing allergies and take part in strenuous exercise on a regular basis.
Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis
There are several important pieces of information known about this allergic reaction:
- The symptoms of exercise-induced anaphylaxis can occur during the exercise session or shortly after the activity stops. The reaction can range from allergy symptoms, such as hives and nausea, to the severe symptoms of anaphylaxis – difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.
- The amount of exercise does not appear to matter, nor does the condition always occur every time a person exercises.
- These reactions typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours. During an anaphylactic attack it is essential that the person be medically supervised.
- Some people suffer from a severe headache after the attack. These headaches can last for 3 days or longer.
- People prone to allergies are more at risk of having this type of attack.
- This type of anaphylactic attack should be treated as would any other – with emergency medical attention.
Suspected Risk Factors for Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis
There are several factors believed to contribute to the risk of exercise-induced anaphylaxis occurring:
- Eating any type of food less than four hours prior to exercising. However, certain foods, such as wheat, celery and shellfish, are believed to be especially risky for this condition.
- Consuming nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication prior to exercising. If a person uses these medications, she may want to alter her schedule for taking medication and exercising.
- Taking part in exercise during very hot or very cold conditions. Humidity and pollen count are also believed to be important factors.
- It is also believed that women are more at risk during their menstrual period.
Prevention Steps for Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis
There are several steps that an individual can take to help reduce the risk of exercise-induced anaphylaxis occurring:
- Food should be avoided up to four hours before engaging in any physical activity.
- A slow warm-up period of activity is believed to help prevent an attack.
- Exercise should cease as soon as any sign of an allergic attack presents itself.
- An EpiPen will need to be accessible.
- Adults and children at risk should become familiar with the risk factors for this condition.
- If a child has a history of exercise-induced anaphylaxis, all adults involved with that child need to be informed about the possibility of this condition occurring. The child will also need to be supervised during any exercise sessions.
Some experts believe that exercise-induced anaphylaxis is on the rise due to the many strenuous exercise programs that people are increasingly taking part in.
If an individual suspects that she is experiencing symptoms of exercise-induced anaphylaxis, she should seek medical attention.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.
Sources:
Hospital for Sick Children: The Complete Kid’s Allergy and Asthma Guide: The Parent’s Handbook for Children of All Ages. Ed. Dr. Milton Gold. Toronto, Canada: Robert Rose Inc., 2003.
Ehrlich, Paul and Chiaramonte, Larry. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Allergies and Asthma: Simple Steps To Help Stop Attacks and Improve Your Child’s Health. New York, U.S.A.: Warner Books, Inc., 2003.
Engel, June. The Complete Allergy Book. Toronto, Canada: Key Porter Books Limited, 1997.
There is also related reading concerning exercise and asthma in the article Exercise Tips for People with Asthma.
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