Exercise-Induced Allergies
IN SEASONAL HEALTHThough rare, in some cases exercise is known to cause allergic reactions such as hives, skin rashes, and even anaphylaxis in both children and adults. Exercise-induced allergies are similar to other physical allergies in terms of the body’s reaction to the allergens, but since symptoms of exercise-induced allergies vary from person to person, recognizing the condition can be difficult.
Doctors have noted that the allergy occurs during exercise, though not in every case, and is linked to the consumption of foods such as celery, cheese, seafood, wheat and medications such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The allergy has also been associated with all levels of physical activity, from brisk walking to athletic competitions.
Changing the Rule Book
Whether you and your family like to hit the gym or enjoy a game of pick up soccer in the park, remembering a few simple guidelines can help identify and prevent exercise-induced allergies.
- Include a 10-minute warm-up before and a cooldown after each exercise session.
- Plan your physical activity for at least four to six hours after eating.
- Stop exercising at the first sign of breathing trouble or skin irritation.
- Use your own yoga mat for floor exercises.
- Wear workout clothes made from natural materials instead of synthetics.
| Your School’s Asthma Plan
When asthma is managed correctly, there’s no end to what children can do. The American Lung Association’s Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative is ensuring the classroom is one more place in children’s daily lives where asthma is no longer a disability. The campaign allows communities and their schools to design an individual five-year plan to achieve a comprehensive asthma management system while addressing key issues, including:
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Sources: aafa.org, aafp.org, acaai.org, lungusa.org, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, science.nationalgeographic.com
For more information on allergies and asthma, visit the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center website.
