Sports and allergy.

Allergic and asthmatic individuals may have exercise-induced respiratory problems and sports may induce, in some cases, allergic problems. Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) differs from common asthma only in its causative factor. It is a typical asthmatic attack following physical exercise, lasting 5-10 min, most often in cold and dry weather. The prevalence in asthmatic children is high, in adolescents not yet firmly established. Cold air and/or hypertonic bronchial challenges during exercise are discussed as pathophysiological mechanisms. Nonpharmacological and drug treatment of EIA must preferentially be preventive. Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (urticaria, pruritus, edema) occurs mainly in children, triggered by exercise alone or by the combination of sensitizing food and exercise. Antihistamines before exercise are recommended. The use of sport equipment can induce contact dermatitis in rare cases.