Most of us have suffered from allergies of some form or the other during our lifetime. What is an allergy? In simple words, it is the response of our immune system to any foreign substance which may or may not be typically harmful to our body. These foreign substances are allergens which may trigger sneezing, inflammation, or a host of other symptoms depending upon the reaction.
Ever wondered how does one contact Allergy?
- Autoimmune disorders, like lupus and psoriasis.
- Infections which affect the skin like scabies, measles, or chickenpox.
- Internal diseases, for instance, cirrhosis, leukemia or kidney disorders.
- Shingles or diabetes or any other nerve-related disorders.
- Skin conditions, like xerosis (dry skin) or eczema.
- Any medical drug reactions.
Allergies are of different types; and, you may contact them from unknown places even during exercise. Ever wondered gym an ideal place for allergy infestation with something you ate or inhale at the gym? Yes! Here are the different types of workout allergy –that may be very dangerous.
Here are the examples of workout allergy which you may contact:
- Physical contact at the Gym
At the gym, you may come in contact with latex (a common constituent of yoga mat and sports bras) and spandex (found in athletic wear). Physical contact allergies can cause skin rashes, which may be felt more than seen other probable culprits are external body sprays, lotions which you may apply before or after a workout.
- Breathing allergens during a workout
If you have inhaled any allergen, at the gym your body may react in defense, causing allergies. Allergies are those caused by substances you breathe in at the gym which may be a good breeding ground for fungi. The locker rooms are even not safe as there may be fungi found in the locker rooms, or even the disinfectants used to clean the gym, or deodorants used by others may trigger an allergic reaction.
- Food Allergies through food consumption
Food allergies occur in response to certain nuts or fruits which your body is allergic to. The symptoms of food allergies include swelling of the throat, tongue, and lips. Food allergies do not stop here, there are other symptoms as well like itchiness and rash. Possible triggers include protein bars (containing nuts) and health drinks.
Deadly Workout allergies
According to a leading sports medicine consultant, “Exercise is good but, in some cases, it may lead to an untimely death”. Gym allergies can turn serious, and if led untreated, they may involve not only the skin and lungs but the brain and heart as well.
While gym allergies began with an itch which is also known as pruritus, but they may turn serious It all starts with irritation of skin or nerve cells associated with the skin. This sensation occurs the nerve endings called proprioceptors, are stimulated by chemicals, temperature, any infection, injury, or even with the body’s immune response.
There have been instances where an itch in extreme cases becomes deadly and interferes with the ability to exercise. This extreme condition is a potentially deadly allergic reaction also known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA).
Symptoms of EIA include-
- Cold and clammy skin
- Diarrhoea
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular and/or rapid heart rate
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Abdominal cramps
- Hives
- Facial swelling
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis (EIA)
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) may happen and is most common after a vigorous physical activity like dancing, cycling, Zumba. As an exception, lower levels of exercise like walking can also cause an EIA reaction.
How does an EIA attack? When a person with EIA exercises their body produces antibodies to fight against something, even if they are not needed. EIA attacks with wheezing, digestion problems, hives, and flushing. If anyone with EIA exercises, their reaction could get more severe, this includes low blood pressure, throat choking which can lead to circulatory failure.
In many cases, EIA may be accompanied by food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA). This happens when one exercises soon after eating a specific food, which causes an allergic reaction.
FDEIA inducing foods are corn, wheat, tomato, shellfish, peanuts, and corn. Though there are other foods which have an impact too, these foods include soy, fruits, meat, seeds, milk, lettuce, peas, beans, and rice.
How to prevent EIA
The only way one can prevent EIA is by exercising at a lower intensity, even changing the kind of exercise can help too. Swimming has not been associated with EIA and if it is suspected that food is worsening EIA, medical recommendation suggests to stop eating 6-8 hours before the exercise. Extreme weather conditions can worsen the reaction, so one must avoid working out in extreme winters and summers.
Many allergy prevention medicines are available in the medicine stores, though one must not consume them without specialist medical advice.
Consult a skincare specialist with Gigadocs
Allergies are quite common, but they should not be taken for guaranteed. Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, it is a good idea to see a specialist.
Gigadocs helps you to book a skin specialist with the Gigadocs app. Through the Gigadocs app, you can take a specialist appointment on a single click and consult skin doctors near you. In addition, Gigadocs helps you to record and store your vitals and lets you share them with your healthcare provider in a live environment.
Gigadocs offers you and your dear ones a complete healthcare solution with its digital prescription, medical appointment and follow up notifications and storage of medical records in a cloud environment. To know more mail, us at info@gigadocs.com
In a crux, most allergies are manageable with medications, lifestyle changes, and avoidance. Working with your specialist or allergist can help in reducing the symptoms leading to a healthier life.
