excercise induced anaphalaxis

MsOpus

Anyone else have exercise induced anaphalaxis? yes it's a real condition and I have been told I probably have it. Need suggestions on how you manage it.

Jessikin13

Huh? What do you mean anaphalaxis? What symptoms do you get?

LKArgh

Since anaphylaxis can lead to death, isn't this a question for your dr? Would you risk whatever anyone here tells you to do or not do?

Jessikin13

I'm just confused by the "I probably have it". If you were told you have it by a medical professional I'd have to think that they would have given you recommendations.

peachyfuzzle

Allergic... to exercise?

Jessikin13

I actually went and looked it up and it's a legit diagnosis, but it's also a pretty rare diagnosis. Generally people who have it are given EpiPens, anti-histamines, etc. So if OP was diagnosed with this, one would think that they were given instructions on how to deal with it.

MsOpus

Well, People, It is very rare, I was hoping somebody here might actually have had a definitive diagnosis and perhaps some actual ways to prevent it so I can continue to exercise. I have googled it too and not found a lot of preventative information.
I have been trying to get a diagnosis for the cause of the anaphalaxis for years, and this is probably the most likely. Unfortunately, it is rare, and the docs I have seen do not know enough about it to combat it. For now their answer is "You have to give up jogging". I am still waiting on some test results, although they won't prove it, it might lead us into the right direction.
I work in the medical field and am also stymied. Antihistamines do not prevent it and I do carry an epi pen.
In the mean time, how do I continue to exercise if my life could be in danger. I am not about to sit around and do nothing.

DaneanP

Go see a doctor who specializes in allergies.

About 20 years ago, I had an anaphylaxis reaction in an aerobic class. I had no idea what was happening to me except my face and hands swelled up and it felt like I had acid in my eyes. Scared the *kitten* out of me. I was rushed to the ER and given adrenalin and Benadryl and the symptoms subsided. I was told I was lucky I didn't experience swelling of my throat because it was so severe.

Turns out, it was a reaction to some sort of dye or chemical used in some new work out clothing I was wearing. When I perspired, the chemicals released and I breathed them in. I to this day still have no real idea exactly what the cause was. The only other thing I'm allergic to is yellow jackets and sulfa drugs. I carry an epi-pen with me at all times now.

But you really should see an allergy specialist before you assume your reaction was to the exercise itself - as you said, that is very rare. Good luck.

MsOpus

Seen an allergist. Seen two of them actually, Nothing comes up in the tests. Also seen an immunologist. Still Nothing.

DaneanP

No elevation in your IgE at all? How many times have you had symptoms while working out? And does it always happen in the same place? (gym, home, studio, etc.?)

MsOpus

Happens "almost" all the time. That's why the dx is not completely definitive yet. But it happens enough that I can't even walk the dog alone anymore. EIA can also occur with regular activity such as yard work and guess what else? My job. It's happened there too. (I do have a physical job)
Symptoms have been getting worse as I age...

DaneanP

I can assume a medication response has been looked into and ruled out.

Oh man, that sucks. I'm sorry to say I have reached the limit of my knowledge about anaphylaxis with working out. I hope it gets sorted quickly. I actually saw something on the news about a young guy who had this too. I think he said he could swim a little in a cool pool (so as not to sweat), but that was about it.

MsOpus

Thanks for your support anyway. I know it's a long shot for information here, but I appreciate whatever info I can find.
PS I have tried swimming and aqua aerobics. I react there too