Treatments for exercise-related allergic reactions will depend on the type of reaction and the symptoms present. For symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, a physician might prescribe:

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Inhaled anti-inflammatories

Antihistamines and anti-inflammatories can be taken to prevent symptoms before they occur. Over-the-counter and prescription medications should never be taken without consulting a physician first. Some drugs may be dangerous when combined with certain forms of exercise.

In cases of allergic contact dermatitis, patients may find relief from applying wet compresses to blistering rashes. Prescription corticosteroids or antihistamines also may be helpful in moderate to severe cases.

Individuals experiencing anaphylaxis (a whole body allergic reaction that affects two or more body systems) require immediate medical attention. An injection of epinephrine is required to reverse the patient’s symptoms. This drug relaxes the smooth muscle tissue in the lungs, speeds up the heart rate, slows the appearance of hives and welts on the skin and reduces overall swelling. Those with a history of anaphylaxis may receive a prescription for an allergy kit. This kit contains a dose of the drug epinephrine, which the patient can inject into the thigh during an emergency.

Those who have insect allergies or severe reactions to other allergies may be encouraged to undergo allergy shot treatment (immunotherapy). This treatment is extremely effective in preventing anaphylactic shock. The goal of immunotherapy is to build up a patient’s tolerance to the allergen. For example, an individual at risk from insect stings would receive very low-dose injections of the insect venom until they build up a tolerance to it. Once the tolerance has been established, the likelihood of suffering an allergic reaction to a sting is substantially reduced.