Those who do not like to work out sometimes tend to say jokingly that they are "allergic to sports." Except that in rare cases, it is a real medical phenomenon that can be highly dangerous.
The condition is called exercise–induced anaphylaxis (or EIA), and it causes a severe allergic reaction during or after physical exertion. According to estimates, between 2.3% and 5% of all anaphylaxis cases worldwide are related to physical activity.
How does it look?
The symptoms are similar to those of a regular allergic reaction, but they can deteriorate rapidly:
Intense itching all over the body
Skin rash and redness
Swelling of the lips or face
Tingling sensation in the mouth
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Drop in blood pressure
In severe cases: Immediate life threat
How the phenomenon was discovered
The first documented case occurred in the 1970s in the United States, when a long–distance runner was hospitalized several times after suffering from severe allergic reactions while running.
After a series of tests, doctors discovered that the symptoms appeared only when he exercised after eating seafood. When he ran without eating seafood before the workout, no reaction occurred.
Since then, it has become clear that in some cases, the combination of a certain food and physical activity is what triggers the allergic reaction.
<br>The foods that can trigger the reaction
The most common type is called "food–dependent exercise–induced anaphylaxis." Among the known triggers:
Seafood
Nuts
Eggs
Milk and dairy products
Wheat
However, it is not always food.
Researchers found that other factors may also trigger the reaction when they are combined with physical exertion:
Certain medications
Infections and illnesses
Hormonal changes
Alcohol consumption
Pollen and environmental factors
In some cases, physical activity alone is enough to trigger the attack.
Which types of activity are more dangerous?
According to data, most cases are related to aerobic activity such as:
Running
Soccer
Dancing
Cycling
Gardening work
The phenomenon can appear at any age, but is mostly diagnosed at a young age and in early adulthood.
What actually happens in the body?
Despite decades of research, the exact cause is still not entirely clear. The main suspicion is directed at immune system cells called "mast cells." These cells release histamine and other substances that are supposed to protect the body from infections and injuries.
In people suffering from the phenomenon, these cells are activated at the wrong time and cause a sudden release of large amounts of histamine. The result is: Constriction of the airways, a drop in blood pressure, and the development of anaphylaxis.
Studies show that even in people who have already been diagnosed, the reaction does not appear in every workout.
There are times when the same person will eat the same food and exercise without any problem, and at other times will suffer from a severe reaction. This fact leads researchers to believe that there are additional factors that are still unknown and influence the risk.
How to treat?
The main goal is to reduce the risk of attacks and their severity.
The recommendations include:
Identifying personal triggers and avoiding them
A gradual start of physical activity
Avoiding working out for at least four hours after exposure to a known triggering factor
Carrying an adrenaline injector (EpiPen) regularly
Exercising with a partner who knows how to identify symptoms and call for help
Stopping the activity immediately upon the appearance of first signs
In certain cases, doctors may also recommend treatment with antihistamines.
The good news: Despite it being a potentially dangerous condition, most people diagnosed with exercise–induced anaphylaxis manage to lead a completely active and normal lifestyle.
The key is: Awareness, early identification of symptoms, and adherence to medical guidelines. This way, one can continue to enjoy the benefits of physical activity, without turning a routine workout into a medical emergency.