allergic to exercise???

[smr515]

About 5yrs. ago I developed exercise induced asthma.  Nothing too strange because asthma runs in my family, so I didn't think much of it.  But for a couple years now I get hives every time I exercise.  My body (especially my feet, thighs, arms and trunk) burn and then start to itch really bad and I break out in little red bumps that quickly spread to patches of red, swollen hives all over.  Very uncomfortable!  By the time I cool down, shower and dress they are mostly gone but it's a pretty miserable hours until that happens.  Any ideas why I seem to be allergic to exercise and what I can do about it?

[suealie]

Hello....
I just found your question about exercise induced asthma.....a little late....i just joined :)

anyway....i also have exercise induced asthma or analphylaxis.  Whenever I had a reaction,  The first sign was.....constant sneezing.  Then my eyes felt like someone threw sawdust in my eyes (itch, burn, hurt!)  then my lips, nose and throat start to swell.  I used an epi-pen when i had the reaction.    

The ONLY COMMON FACTOR in every reaction was......I was stressed out, or really angry!! lol!!  

My question to you is......Were you stressed out or irritated when having your reaction???   Curious :)

Try swmming, or less impact workouts.....It works for me

[dai3symae]

I have the heat allergy reaction and one time had exercise induced anaphalaxis.  I went out to dinner, came home to exercise, took 2 excedrin and went to bed.  I woke up in the middle of the reaction.  

Eating then excercising or taking med like excedrin then excercising can bring it on.

I now carry an epi-pen and benydryl with me.

[JAY_22]

It is frustuating, I used to run just because I loved it, but because of everything now I really don't miss it.

I know for me the doc said, "you are probably the only person I will ever say this to, don't run!!!" But even wth out the running I lift weights, ride a stationary bike and I seem to get along good with those when I am on my double dose of zyrtec, it takes the edge off the reaction so its not nearly as bad.

[JAY_22]

When you say "excerise induced anaphylaxis" are you refering to when to eat somthing then that makes the allergy reaction worse or are you saying that by the excerise alone it induces anaphylaxis.

The reason why I ask is because out of the seven different allergists I have seen they all relate it to a prexisting food allergy. But then two non-specialists Doctors i have seen actually say that that such a excerise anaphylaxis exist. so i was just wondering about yours

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

You seem to be having exercise induced urticaria. Most symptoms can be controlled by taking antihistaminics like benadryl or Claritin or zyrtec. Slow down or stop your exercise as soon as symptoms start. You should always exercise with a partner who knows about your condition.

In some people, eating certain foods before exercise may make allergic symptoms more likely to occur. Keep track of what you eat before exercising for a few weeks. If you notice a pattern to your symptoms that seems related to a certain food, stop eating it for a while and see if the hives stop.Also, do not exercise for 4 to 6 hours after you eat.

You should stop exercising as soon as you notice the hives. If the hives don't go away in 5 to 10 minutes, or if you have other symptoms, call your doctor right away. It can be Exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

Also wear medical alert jewelry or ID tags describing the condition and sensitive substances and always carry a self-injectable epinephrine kit (Epi pen).

I hope I have provided you with sufficient information. In case you need more,pls post us.

[smr515]

Thanks for your help, I think you may be on the right track with the heat hives.  I'm sure it's not my environment because it happens anywhere I workout, outside, indoors at home or at the gym.
I saw a doctor a while back and she just told me to take Claritin, it didn't work.  
Sorry you're having so much trouble too.  It's so frustrating isn't it?  Especially when you want to take care of yourself by exercising and staying in good shape, but when the exercise comes with so many problems, it's almost not worth it.  I haven't worked out in over a year thinking the hive problem might go away.  But, started back up this week and the hives reappeared.  Makes me want to quit again.  .
Good luck to you.  Hope you find some relief.  Thanks again for helping.
  

[JAY_22]

There are several things that could be happening;

A. You could be allergic to somthing in the enviroment, like you may have rolled around in the grass bumbed up against a tree.

B. You have a food allergy, did you eat within 4 hrs of excerise?, if so excerise will make it worse, but when you run you don't think its getting worse b/c your bodies natural andrenlin takes care of it, but also with a food allergy you would have nasuea,or vomiting and or cramps and diearrea.

C. You have heat hives, which is a reaction when your body gets hot it produces hives, and to manage this you must stay cool, also anti histimine will help lower the severity of the reaction.

I know what your going through, I actually have all three problems including the asthma,  and just two years ago I was able to run a sub five minute mile, and decent 5k, but now, no way, I would die of the pain.

I would consult a Allergist before starting any treatment.