Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Here’s a breakdown of the information from the text, answering key questions about Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis (EIA):
What is Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis (EIA)?
It’s a type of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) specifically linked too physical activity. it can happen even in people with no prior history of allergies.
Symptoms range from mild (itching, hives) to severe (difficulty breathing, anaphylactic shock).
What are the symptoms of EIA?
Symptoms during or shortly after exercise can include:
Confusion
Difficulty breathing
Dizziness or fainting
Hives
Nausea and vomiting
Pale, clammy skin
Sudden cough or wheezing
Sudden sleepiness
Swelling of the throat, tongue, or upper airway (causing difficulty swallowing or a hoarse voice)
What causes EIA?
sometimes exercise alone can trigger it, with cardio being more common, but any exercise can be a trigger.
Food-dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis (FDEIA): This is when a specific food combined with exercise causes the reaction. The food alone won’t cause a reaction. This accounts for 30-50% of EIA cases.
Why FDEIA happens is not fully understood, but theories include:
A large release of mast cells (involved in allergic reactions).
Exercise diverting blood flow, exposing muscle tissue to food allergens.
What foods are commonly linked to FDEIA?
Wheat is the moast common.
Other common triggers:
Alcohol
Apples
beef
Egg
What should you do if you experience symptoms of EIA?
stop exercising instantly.
Treat with epinephrine (injectable device or nasal spray).
Go to the emergency room right away.