Allergic To Exercise? Really?

This is certainly not a certified health column! But an informative piece on what happens to some individuals when they exercise. Interesting it is, but not an excuse not to exercise! Some allergic reactions can get triggered by exercise. The Lifestyle Journalist Gaurav Goswami tells you in detail

- Gaurav Goswami

What is it?

The scientific term for this ‘exercise allergy’ is Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis, EIA. This EIA is uncommon, potentially serious condition in which anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, occurs during or after physical activity.

What Happens?

It is still not clear what connects exercise and anaphylaxis. There are a number of working theories about the mechanism involved, which are tied to the physiological changes that happen in the body during exercise. For instance, increased blood flow might push sensitive immune cells around the body, or certain protein in the gut changes their behaviour during exercise, interacting with food in ways that could cause an allergic reaction. And, since exercise increases the absorption of material from the gastrointestinal tract, it is possible that there are simply more allergens able to make their way into the body during workout. And, when someone goes into anaphylactic shock, their bloodstream is flooded with inflammatory cells that overwhelm the body, bringing on itching, nausea and making it hard to breathe.

First References