Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis

Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIAn) is a rare disorder in which anaphylaxis occurs in association with physical activity. Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a subset of this disorder in which symptoms develop if exertion takes place within a few hours of eating a specific food. In the case of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis, neither the food nor the exercise alone is enough to cause anaphylaxis. Vigorous forms of physical activity, such as jogging, are more commonly associated with exercise-induced anaphylaxis, although lower levels of exertion (eg, walking and yard work) are also capable of triggering attacks. However, the condition can be unpredictable; a given level of exercise may cause an episode on one occasion but not another. Symptoms of exercise-induced anaphylaxis may include itching, hives (urticaria), flushing, extreme fatigue, and wheezing. Affected individuals may also experience nausea, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Continuing the physical activity causes the symptoms to become worse. However, if the individual stops the activity when the symptoms first appear, there is usually improvement within minutes. In most cases, these conditions are sporadic , though familial cases have been reported.