MANAGING ALLERGIES IN ACTIVE PEOPLE

Though exercise does not appear to cause allergies, active patients re quire special attention when allergies appear. Physical activity may i ncrease contact with substances that cause hay fever, trigger asthma e pisodes, or result in contact dermatitis. Nonspecific irritants (like chlorine or air pollutants) and allergens often interact in the contex t of exercise, and strenuous activity may produce allergic-like sympto ms that complicate the clinical picture. An athletic patient's exercis e patterns and preferences should be kept in mind in evaluating allerg ies, devising treatment strategies, and choosing medication.