Spring is coming to our area, which means warmer weather, blooming flowers, green grass and, for many, seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are caused by pollen produced by plants. Tree pollen is the most common culprit in spring, and grass and ragweed in summer and fall. Allergy symptoms – watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and coughing – can appear in susceptible individuals within 5 to 10 minutes of exposure and last for hours.
Seasonal allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system to pollen. Inhaled pollen acts as an allergen, causing the immune system to produce antibodies, including IgE. Antibodies are always produced when the immune system encounters a foreign antigen, regardless of whether it is a virus or a pollen. The IgE stimulates specialized cells in the airways called mast cells to produce histamines, which cause the well-known symptoms of seasonal allergies. This is the same process that causes allergies to dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods.
Because histamines are an important step in triggering an allergic reaction, seasonal allergies can be treated with antihistamines such as fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Some antihistamines also contain a decongestant (e.g. Claritin-D).
Allergy symptoms can be reduced by reducing exposure to pollen. This means keeping the windows of your home and car closed and minimizing outdoor activities when pollen counts are highest, especially early mornings, on windy days, and when pollen counts are high. Pollen values are often given with weather forecasts.
People often wonder if it is safe to exercise when they have seasonal allergies. In most cases the answer is yes. Allergy symptoms are usually similar to cold symptoms, so the usual tips on cold exercises also apply: If the symptoms are above your neck (runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing), you can exercise safely. However, allergy symptoms are due to exposure to pollen. The more you breathe in, the worse your symptoms get. As your breathing increases significantly during exercise, your exposure to pollen also increases.
There are some cases when exercise can have serious effects with allergies. Exercise-related bronchospasm, also called exercise-induced asthma, is a condition that affects the majority of asthmatics, many of whom also have seasonal allergies. The EIB is believed to be caused by cooling and drying of the airways due to high ventilation during exercise or exposure to airborne particles, typically pollutants or pollen. EIB leads to a narrowing of the airways, which severely restricts the flow of air into the lungs. For this reason, asthmatics usually wear a rescue inhaler (bronchodilator) while exercising.
Interestingly, the EIB also performs with athletes, including those competing at the Olympic level. It is more common among athletes participating in outdoor winter events (cooling and drying the airways) and indoor ice events (pollutants from ice renewal equipment). By carefully warming up and using certain approved medications, athletes with allergies and EIB can successfully compete at the elite level.
Since most of us don’t reach athletic levels, there’s no need to let seasonal allergies stop you from exercising. You may be able to exercise outdoors on days when the pollen count is lower, especially if you exercise less intensely, e.g. B. when walking. Antihistamines can relieve symptoms and shouldn’t interfere with exercise. If you enjoy hitting the gym again, running on a treadmill or indoor track, or taking a group exercise class, staying active on days when outdoor exercise just doesn’t work. If you take some precautionary measures, you can and should exercise even with seasonal allergies.
