Allergy and Exercise
The allergies that are discussed in this article are not triggered due to exercise but are already a part and parcel of your life. How can those suffering from any kind of allergy exercise so as to reap the maximum from their exercise regimen as well as have minimal impact on the allergic condition.
Allergies of the respiratory system
Since an exercise schedule puts a lot of pressure on your breathing process, the respiratory system should be in top form. An allergy of the respiratory system can result in:
Congestion of nasal passage
Bronchial congestion (mostly in asthmatics)
Wheezing
Cough
Tightness in the chest
These could happen mainly due to exposure to allergens (agents to whom you are allergic to) such as:
- Pollen and dust
- Polluted air
- Dust
- Pet Dander (minute parts of animal skin that keeps falling off)
- Bacteria found in carpets, dampness
- Chlorine allergy found in swimming pools
If you are allergic to pollen, choose to exercise indoors. If you must go out, wear an air filter. After a spell of rain, pollen levels generally decrease and thus exercising outdoors after a rainfall is safe.
Avoid smoky dusty areas outside. If possible use air-conditioned space for exercising. In highly polluted areas, use masks or filters to avoid inhaling dust.
Falling dander can be minimised by giving your pet a regular scrub bath. This will not only help you exercise safely but also improve general hygiene.
Exercise in a room with minimal upholstery as carpets and curtains retain small dust particles and even bacteria.
Damp corners in a house breed bacteria. A regular disinfecting and drying the corners to eliminate fungi and bacterial growth reduces the chances of bacteria-induced allergy.
Allergies of the skin
An irritating skin will always dampen your spirit and exercise schedule. A skin allergy can result in:
Skin Rashes
Itching
Swelling or inflammation of the skin
Irritation of the eye
The causes behind these are similar to those of other allergic reactions and include:
- Sunlight
- Polluted Air
- Bacteria
- Plants
- Chemicals such as chlorine in a swimming pool
- Specific clothing
- Insect bites
Tips to help you deal with skin allergies:
Avoid long exposure to sunlight if you have a tendency of developing rashes. Alter the time of the day; say a morning walk can be shifted to evening etc.
Avoid highly polluted areas or consider altering your route if running/ jogging in an area which has high levels of pollution.
Bacterial presence sometimes causes rashes. Cover your body sufficiently to minimize exposure.
Certain plants such as poison ivy and poison oak are famous for the rashes that they give. Reduce the exposure and contact to these plants if exercising outdoors.
Chlorine levels can be altered to suit your skin and eyes if allergic. Another trick is to have intermittent showers between swimming sessions.
You could also suffer from other more serious allergic reactions that may take the form of muscle cramps, fatigue and headaches and require immediate medical attention. If you are severely allergic to something, make sure you carry the prescribed medicine with you.
The stop and go technique
This is a basic technique that allergy sufferers use to maintain a good balance between their output levels and their ability. It involves taking intermittent and regular breaks from the exercise or activity. This reduces the exposure to allergens and also helps your stamina and motivation levels from dwindling to a dangerous low.
Finally, then it is important to remember that a good exercise schedule can get jeopardized due to allergies. However, a little care and precaution on your part will go a long way in helping you workout without any problem.
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