The exercise-induced urticaria is becoming increasingly recognized during the past two decades as more people are participating in the physical activities. The exercise-induced urticaria is a condition that is producing hives and other allergic symptoms. These hives or welts are large, raised bumps on the skin. The exercise-induced urticaria can happen on any part of the body. Often, they are redder around the edge than in the middle. Also, hives can look like blisters, blotches or red spots. You should know that you cannot prevent the exercise–induced urticaria.
But, you can help to prevent the flare – ups. You need to avoid foods, products or types of exercise which can trigger this condition and other symptoms. You need to talk with your doctor about the way of identifying your symptoms and how you can avoid them. People who have severe cases of exercise-induced urticaria may need to avoid exercise all together. On the other hand, others may be able to exercise if they avoid triggers. [1] Also, this can include certain types of foods. You need to make a list of what you eat before you exercise. If you have noticed a pattern to your symptoms, then you need to stop eating this food.
Also, if you have hives and symptoms associated with it, then you should stop eating the food and visit your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may tell you not to exercise for 4 – 6 hours after you eat. In the most cases, symptoms of exercise-induced urticaria can be controlled with medicines that are prescribed by your doctor. You should always take medicines and natural remedies according to your doctor’s recommendations.
You need to pay close attention to your body and reaction. You need to slow down or stop exercising as soon as symptoms start. You should exercise with a partner that knows that you have exercise-induced urticaria. Usually, the avoidance of exercise is the best way for the treatment of exercise-induced urticaria. [1]
Exercise-induced urticaria symptoms
The symptoms of exercise-induced urticaria can happen during or after the exercise. The most common symptoms of this condition include [2,3]:
- Swelling of the face, tongue or hands
- Headache
- Stomach cramps
- Trouble breathing or a choking feeling
- Flushing (redness) of the skin
- Itching of the skin
- Hives
If you have noticed hives and other symptoms of the exercise – induced urticaria, then you need to stop exercising right away. You need to talk with your doctor if the hives do not go away for five to ten minutes after exercise. Your doctor will look at your symptoms and he or she will review your health history. Also, your doctor can make a skin – prick test to check for allergies. Also, your doctor can make other exercises to see if the reaction happens again.
It is important to not take medications and home remedies without talking with your doctor, because they can worsen your symptoms or cause you side effects. You should ask your doctor about the cause for your hives. If you have used some home remedies or medications for exercise – induced urticaria, and then tell to your doctor, so he will know which will work best for you. Also, your doctor can help you to define if your symptoms are mild or severe. If you are worried that your hives can turn into something worse, then talk with your doctor, so you will know which steps you can take in order for preventing the worsening of your symptoms.
Also, ask your doctor about the best way of riding of the hives which you have. If you are worried if you can exercise again, then ask your doctor. He or she can tell you the best according to your diagnosis and symptoms. The treatment of exercise – induced urticaria will depend on your symptoms and the cause for this condition.
Exercise-induced urticaria causes
The physical activity can lead to allergic reactions in some people. But, the exact cause for exercise – induced urticaria is not known. You should be sure that you are dressed appropriately for the weather and if your itching is extreme, then you should try taking a non – drowsy antihistamine before exercise. [4,5]
References:
[1] Pravettoni V, Incorvaia C. Diagnosis of exercise-induced anaphylaxis: current insights. Journal of Asthma and Allergy. 2016;9:191–8. doi:10.2147/JAA.S109105
[2] Hosey RG, Carek PJ, Goo A. Exercise-induced anaphylaxis and urticaria. American Family Physician. 2001;64(8):1367-73.
[3] Sheffer AL, Austen KF. Exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 1984;73(5):699-703.
[4] Pravettoni V, Incorvaia. Diagnosis of exercise-induced anaphylaxis: current insights. Journal of Asthma and Allergy. 2016;9:191–8. doi:10.2147/JAA.S109105
[5] Kim CW, Figueroa A, Park CH, et al. Combined effects of food and exercise on anaphylaxis. Nutrition Research and Practice. 2013;7(5):347–51. doi:10.4162/nrp.2013.7.5.347
