Managing Allergies in Active People

Though exercise does not appear to cause allergies, active patients require special attention when allergies appear. Physical activity may increase contact with substances that cause hay fever, trigger asthma episodes, or result in contact dermatitis. Nonspecific irritants (like chlorine or air pollutants) and allergens often interact in the context of exercise, and strenuous activity may produce allergic-like symptoms that complicate the clinical picture. An athletic patient's exercise patterns and preferences should be kept in mind in evaluating allergies, devising treatment strategies, and choosing medication.