Are you allergic to exercise?

If working out literally gives you hives, you may be allergic to exercise. Here’s what you need to know.

A serious condition
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is a serious but rare allergic reaction that can trigger a variety of symptoms, including rash, nausea, and low blood pressure. The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person.

Typically, a reaction occurs when an individual’s immune system becomes overstimulated during or after physical exertion. However, EIA is not fully understood because it’s difficult to reproduce the precise conditions for it in a lab.

In some people, EIA is food-dependent. This means that the reaction only occurs when the individual combines physical activity with certain foods, such as wheat, shellfish, or peanuts. Fortunately, those affected this way can simply avoid eating their trigger foods to prevent a reaction.

Keep in mind, EIA is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. If you think you may have this condition, you should see your doctor right away.