Exercise-induced anaphylaxis: causes, consequences and management recommendations

INTRODUCTION: Exercise induced anaphylaxis (EIA) denotes a range of disorders where anaphylaxis occurs in relation to physical exercise. Typical symptoms include flushing, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, respiratory symptoms, gastro-intestinal symptoms, hypotension, and collapse during or after exercise. The far best described entity within EIA is food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA), where symptoms only occur in combination with food intake. Frequency and predictability of symptoms vary, and some patients experience symptoms only if exercise is accompanied by other co-factors Areas covered: In the present review, we aimed to provide an overview of EIA, diagnostic workup, causes, management and discuss areas in need of further research. Expert opinion: Though rare, EIA is an entity that all allergists and practicing physicians should recognize. The pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms of EIA are largely unknown. Management is centered upon avoidance of eliciting factors, where emergency plans are individualized, except a mandatory prescription of an adrenaline auto-injector.