Lena Cao, lc206@uakron.edu
Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (EIA) is a rare condition in which an individual enters anaphylaxis during or after physical activity. Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis has an estimated lifetime prevalence of 0.5% - 2%. There are a few different classifications of EIA: Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (EIA), Food Dependent Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (FDEIA), Wheat Dependent Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (WDEIA), and Unknown Trigger Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (UTEIA). The first clinically reported case of EIA was in 1979. Since then, there has only been a total of a few hundred EIA patients who have been clinically studied. (Two large studies consisted of 199 and 279 patients respectively.)
What are symptoms of Anaphylaxis?
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can range from mild to severe. On the mild spectrum symptoms include itchy runny nose, hives, nausea and discomfort. On the severe end, symptoms include shortness of breath, unable to breathe, pale skin, loss of consciousness, weak pulse, swelling of the face, widespread hives across the body, and repetitive vomiting, Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can potentially lead to death if epinephrine and other medications are not administered in a timely manner.
What causes EIA?
EIA can happen purely because of exercise, but in most cases it is dependent on cofactors such as food (FDEIA), environment, and drugs. There is currently no scientific answer to why or how EIA happens but there are many theories. To put it simply, the first theory exercise may lower the threshold for mast cell activation, leading to the release of histamines and other mediators. Another theory believes that changes in the PH level can affect mast cells to be released and trigger FDEIA. EIA is severely under researched because it is such a rare condition and in many cases EIA patients never find out the exact cause of the Anaphylaxis to occur,
Food Dependent Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis: 30-50% of all EIA cases are called Food Dependent Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis. In this condition, an individual can eat a certain food and have no allergic reaction, and the individual can exercise with no reaction. However, when the specific food is consumed within 5 hours prior to physical activity, an anaphylaxis reaction can occur. Any type of food can be a trigger to someone who experiences EIA, but the most commonly reported foods include Wheat, (WDEIA), seafood, eggs, milk, fruits, and alcohol.
EIA is a complex condition requiring further research to understand its underlying mechanisms and improve diagnosis and treatment strategies. Although it is rare, awareness and education about the symptoms and triggers of EIA and Anaphylaxis is crucial.
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