Can A Person Really Be Allergic To Exercise?

Online, April 13, 2011 (Newswire.com) - It's hard to imagine how this would be possible but it is a real condition that does not get diagnosed as other ailments.

From the Vancouver Sun:

"What is it?

It might be a mouthful to say, but Food-Dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis (FDEIA) can be a serious, and potentially life-threatening condition. Like other allergic reactions, such as generalized anaphylaxis or oral allergy syndrome, FDEIA is triggered by an immune system response, mediated by a compound known as immunoglobulin E, or IgE. In affected individuals, FDEIA can occur when a particular food is eaten before, or in rare cases shortly after, the physical stress of exercise. The twist, however, is that while the given food -- shellfish, wheat, and various fruits and vegetables are common triggers -might not cause an allergic response in day-to-day life, it can be the catalyst for a severe allergic reaction when mixed with exercise. This can leave affected individuals feeling a little lost and confused when it comes to determining the cause of their seemingly out-of-the-blue reaction.

Physically, FDEIA can manifest as itchiness, hives, generalized swelling, difficulty swallowing, and/or a drop in blood pressure, among other symptoms. While researchers have acknowledged the condition since the mid-1980s, it remains relatively uncommon, even among the food allergy sufferers. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Allergology and Clinical Immunology earlier this year found that, of all of the cases of anaphylaxis reported in the emergency department, FDEIA was identified in a mere 2.4% of cases (anaphylaxis to food, by comparison, occurred in 29% of cases). Since many individuals may not be aware their symptoms are actually FDEIA, the actual incidence rates could be higher.

Is it the same thing as exercise-induced anaphylaxis?

The difference between FDEIA and more common Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis (EIA) is simply the presence of a food-based trigger. Otherwise, EIA can occur in individuals exercising at a moderate to high intensity, but the causes are much more difficult to pinpoint.

In terms of timing, there is evidence that otherwise nonallergic foods consumed as far as 24 hours in advance of exercise could be a potential trigger for FDEIA. While there seems to be no link between race or ethnicity and risk of FDEIA, there is some evidence that peanuts, tomatoes and cereals are more common triggers for those of European descent, while wheat seems to be a prevalent trigger in Japanese populations.

How can I manage FDEIA?

The best treatment for FDEIA is to identify known trigger foods, and avoid consuming them before...

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Exercise+allergies+linked+food/4602891/story.html#ixzz1JPIEf1BQ"