Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) represents a rare presentation of anaphylaxis in athletes triggered be exercise.
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) represents a rare presentation of anaphylaxis in athletes triggered be exercise. A sub-type of this illness is food dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) in which food and exercise are required to trigger anaphylaxis. Involved organ systems include dermatologic with hives being the most common presenting feature, respiratory, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular.
These diseases are relatively rare. The overall incidence of anaphylaxis in the general population is 8 - 50 cases per 100,000 person years with a lifetime prevalence of 0.05% - 2%. The mortality rate of anaphylaxis is 1-2%.
EIA represents approximately 5-15% of all anaphylaxis cases with FDEIA making up โ to ยฝ of EIA cases. Females are more commonly affected than females. Patients tend to develop EIA within 30 minutes of initiating exercise and it may be triggered by exercise of any intensity level including activities as benign as raking leaves.
There are no safe exercises for patients with EIA although exercise with less cardiovascular demand seems to be safer and responsible for less than 2% of EIA cases. Episodes are not reliably predictable. Symptoms may not always be present or repeatable, even with the same intensity exercise in the same conditions.
The frequency varies widely from a single episode to numerus with an average of 14.5 attacks per year. Most patients report symptoms become stable or decrease after the initial episode. Org) FDEIA represents a sub-type of EIA in which food is a cofactor in triggering the event.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to exercise induced anaphylaxis: a brief review, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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