What can I do for allergies that get worse when I exercise?
Your symptoms may not be caused by allergens. If it’s not allergic rhinitis (allergies), antihistamines may not be helpful.
If you have congestion or drainage with exercise, it may be due to non-allergic rhinitis. This can often happen with allergic rhinitis.
Triggers for non-allergic rhinitis include changes in the weather, strong odors, smoke, and exercise.
Discuss this with your primary care doctor or a board-certified allergist. Ask if a nasal medicine would be helpful.
Douglas T. Johnston, DO, FAAAAI, FACAAI, is an allergist/clinical immunologist at Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Assistant Professor at Edward Via School of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is a fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). He has lectured at national and international medical conferences and has publications in several medical journals, including “Clinical Immunology,” “World Allergy Organization Journal,” “Journal of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology,” “The Journal of the American Medical Association,” and the “New England Journal of Medicine.”
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