Anaphylaxis Explained: How Physical Exercise Can Trigger An Allergic Reaction

Maintaining an active lifestyle with regular sports activities is typically encouraged for overall health. However, there's a lesser-known but significant health risk for some individuals engaging in such habits.

Food Dependent Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (FDEIA) is a condition where physical exercise triggers an allergic reaction to certain foods consumed prior to the activity.

In a recent case study at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, a 12-year-old boy, who had always been healthy, consumed shrimp salad before heading out for a cricket match with friends. Within ten minutes of starting the game, he experienced severe itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

The boy was promptly taken to a nearby hospital where doctors recognized the signs of anaphylaxis. Subsequent allergy tests confirmed that his condition was triggered by the combination of eating shrimp and engaging in physical exercise, a classic case of FDEIA.

What is FDEIA?

FDEIA is a condition in which physical exercise triggers an allergic reaction to certain foods consumed before the activity. Unlike typical food allergies that are triggered immediately after ingestion, FDEIA requires the combination of eating allergenic food followed by exercise to provoke symptoms.

Symptoms of FDEIA

The symptoms of FDEIA can vary but often include hives, stomach cramps, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and dizziness or fainting. Common food triggers for FDEIA include shellfish, nuts, wheat, and dairy, though any food can potentially be a trigger depending on the individual.

These symptoms can range from mild hives and stomach cramps to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. People should be encouraged to keep a detailed food diary, consult with an allergist for proper testing and diagnosis, avoid consuming known allergenic foods before physical activity, and carry an epinephrine auto-injector if diagnosed with FDEIA.