Exercise triggers both exercise-induced anaphylaxis and exercise-induced urticaria. However, those with these conditions do not necessarily suffer an attack every time they exercise.

The factors that cause exercise-induced urticaria are not exactly clear. However, it is known that a rise in core body temperature is the major trigger of cholinergic urticaria, including exercise-induced urticaria. Anything that warms the core body temperature by 0.9 degrees to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 degrees to 1.5 degrees Celsius) can trigger the condition. This includes hot showers, anxiety and exercise.

There are several factors that make symptoms of exercise-induced anaphylaxis more likely. Known triggers include:

• Environmental factors during exercise, including:
• Humidity (either very humid or very dry conditions)
• Temperature (either warm or cold conditions)
• Allergen counts (including pollens, molds and dust)
  
  
• Drugs taken prior to exercise, including:
• Aspirin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
• Over-the-counter cold remedies
• Antibiotics
  
  
• Physiologic factors, including times of increased emotional responses, such as during menstruation for women.
  

In addition, eating any food or some specific foods before exercise can cause anaphylaxis or urticaria. Some patients can also develop exercise-induced anaphylaxis from eating after exercising. Problematic foods include:

• Milk
• Celery
• Wheat or wheat gliadin
• Shellfish
• Hazelnuts
• Cheese 
• Pizza
• Eggs
• Peaches
• Grapes
• Chick peas (garbanzo beans)
• Pears
• Poppy seeds
• Snails (escargot)
• Meat
• Chicken