Anaphylaxis is nothing to be taken lightly. Sometimes the reason for it is unexplained, but hives, dizziness, shortness of breath and nausea are the most common symptoms. In some cases, a rapid drop in blood pressure may even cause you to pass out. If you are experiencing these symptoms while reading this, you should stop reading and get medical attention right away. There are some other conditions that can have hives, dizziness, and nausea as symptoms. But if in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis
People with this condition experience hives, dizziness, and shortness of breath after they exercise. It is a rare condition that was only first written about in 1980. But even though it is rare, it is very serious and can end in shock or even death. The condition is similar to cholinergic hives. Dizziness and shortness of breath can occur with cholinergic hives as well. It is a type of hives brought on by temperature extremes of hot or cold.
Exercise induced anaphylaxis is different, however, in that people who suffer from it do not experience hives, dizziness, or shortness of breath after a hot shower or fever.
It can be diagnosed by the patient exercising in the presence of medically trained observers who watch the symptoms. If this type of observation is done, care must be taken to be sure that resuscitative equipment and expertise is available. Another diagnostic test can be done by immersing the patient in a hot water bath of at least 43 degrees Celsius. A person with exercise induced anaphylaxis will not develop hives. Dizziness may occur without the hives. A person with cholinergic hives will develop small hives, dizziness, and itchy areas. Taking antihistamines before exercise may help to prevent the condition but due to the possible serious consequences, if you are sure you have exercise induce anaphylaxis, the best advice is probably to not exercise at all.
Anaphylaxis Can Be Life-Threatening.
Anaphylaxis is a serious, life threatening whole-body allergic reaction to something that has become an allergen to the person. The reaction is quick and it is severe. Symptoms include Anxiety, confusion, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hives, dizziness, palpitations, slurred speech, and wheezing.
It should be considered an emergency and needs to be treated immediately. 911 should be called and the person should try to be calmed in the meantime. It is different from just hives caused by something else although one of the more obvious symptoms to the observer may be the hives. Dizziness may result as a result of a quick drop in blood pressure. The patient may lose consciousness.
