Exercise can sometimes create symptoms that mimic allergies, but which are in no way related to an allergic reaction. For example, exposure to cold or hot conditions during exercise can sometimes trigger hives and angioedema, symptoms that also appear as the result of an allergic reaction. However, weather conditions are not the only trigger for these conditions. Just the mere act of exercising is enough to trigger hives and angioedema in some people.

Similarly, pool chlorine can trigger eye irritation or breathing difficulties in swimmers that appears to be related to allergies even though it is not. And sometimes, a reaction to a true allergen such as pollen may leave an individual more susceptible to the effects of pollutants or other factors that normally do not cause a reaction.

Conditions related to exercise and allergies include:

• Hives. Red, swollen patches of skin that occur in groups and may burn, sting or itch.
  

  

• Angioedema. Swelling that occurs beneath the skin instead of on the surface.
  

  

• Allergic conjunctivitis. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue lining the inside of the eyelid.
  

  

• Allergic rhinitis. Inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose due to allergic reaction to an airborne substance.
  

  

• Contact dermatitis. Allergic skin reaction that manifests itself as a rash of itchy, red, small blisters that ooze and crust.
  
  
• Food allergy. Disorder characterized by the response of the immune system to certain foods.
  
  
• Exercise-induced asthma. Asthma symptoms triggered by exercise.
  

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• Exercise-induced anaphylaxis and urticaria. A rare form of physical allergy triggered by exercise at all levels of exertion.