Exercise that Itch

Warmer average temperatures and increased rains have made for a longer—and more miserable—spring allergy season this year. June 21st and the official start of summer is not too long away; we’ve actually seen the sun on some days, beckoning with the promise of even better days ahead for outdoor fun among all the fresh grass, trees and flowers.

“Yes, it sounds terrific but tell that to my nose and eyes,” says Maggie, a Westwood woman who suffers from seasonal allergies. “I used to enjoy jogging along my neighborhood side streets under a canopy of trees and past abundant flower beds, but last year my allergies were so bad that I didn’t get a chance. This year with all the rain and dreariness, I’ve not gone out at all. At this point I’m dying to start my summer fitness routine, but the memory of last year’s allergy misery makes me hesitate.”

Maggie’s predicament is far from unique. There are about 36 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies. Whether it’s from airborne pollens, asthma or skin sensitivity, allergies can lead many people to say no to exercise. But—given some sensible modifications and the proper medications—there’s no good reason why the combination of exercise and allergies should produce a negative reaction.

Nothing to Sneeze At

Allergies can take many different forms and display various symptoms. Spring allergies, although less common than fall ones, are every bit as acute and can continue through a longer season. One of the most common types of allergies, allergic rhinitis, affects the upper respiratory tract. Since pollen, molds and spores frequently cause allergic rhinitis, it’s primarily a seasonal affliction, striking in the spring and fall. It brings on symptoms like a runny nose, teary eyes, coughing and congestion.

“This spring has been bad,” admits Ariana, a young college student come home to Hillsdale for the summer, “but I persevered through the winter and early spring at school in Boston, so I’m not about to let something like allergies deprive me of all of the benefits and highs of exercising.”

And Ariana is luckier than many. She doesn’t suffer from chronic asthma, which affects 25 million Americans and is characterized by periodic difficulty breathing due to constricted or clogged air passages. Asthma sufferers are especially vulnerable in the spring and fall when weather conditions are the most variable and pollen counts are at their highest. Most asthma cases are due to allergies; others fall under the classification of exercise-induced asthma (EIA), which exhibits symptoms such as wheezing, accelerated heart rate, coughing and chest tightening post exercise.

Contact dermatitis, a rash caused by direct contact with an irritating substance, is often acerbated during hot sticky days. To alleviate possible flare-ups, experts recommended simple tips like staying away from adhesive tapes and bandages during exercise, and removing all jewelry when working out.

What to Do

Whatever type of allergy you’re suffering from, prevention should play an important part of your coping strategy. When it comes to exercise, start by limiting early morning outdoor activity when pollen levels are highest. Instead, exercise later in the day when pollen levels taper off. Whenever possible, do your warm-up, stretching and cool-down indoors. If you do perform them outside, try to stay away from doing them in areas where there are large amounts of grasses, weeds and trees, and always make it a point to wear sunglasses. Some experts even recommend wearing a pollen mask. After exercising, always thoroughly wash your hair and hands, and rinse your eyes with water to help clear away clinging allergens.

To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), doctors suggest an extended warm-up session, special breathing techniques to minimize hyperventilation, nasal breathing and curtailing your exercise to no more than one hour. Prescription drugs also provide relief, so consult with your general doctor and/or allergist about possible remedies that may alleviate your symptoms.

If you’re an asthma sufferer, specialists advise taking your prescription inhalants 20 to 30 minutes before exercising or your oral medicine an hour before working out. Exercise caution and common sense. Taking allergy drugs earlier in the exercise process does not meant using more of them, for instance. People don’t typically eat before exercising so it’s not a good idea to take too much medication on an empty stomach. And if your activity involves fine motor skills, don’t take antihistamines since these will considerably decrease your reaction time.

Best & Worst Exercises

Strenuous exercises, such as jogging or biking, create a big increase in air flow to the respiratory system, which in turn, can introduce large amounts of allergens into your breathing passages. On the other hand, water sports reduce your exposure to allergens (except for molds) and are typically recommended for asthmatics since the warm, humid atmosphere helps ease symptoms.

Among the worst exercises for the allergy-prone to engage in during the spring months are cycling, golfing, camping and hiking. Opt instead for better choices such as canoeing, fishing, sailing, swimming and waterskiing.

Certain sports, such as running, generate asthmatic attacks more than others. Aside from swimming, physical activities that require short bursts of energy—doubles tennis, for example—are better options.

Whatever activity you choose for whatever allergy you have, make sure to pick something. Numerous studies prove that controlled activity can—and does—benefit an allergic person’s physical and emotional health. While allergies are nothing to sneeze at, don’t let them sideline you and keep you from an active lifestyle enjoying the beauties of nature.