How you can stop your allergies getting in the way of your exercise routine

7th June 2023

How you can stop your allergies getting in the way of your exercise routine

Exercise: we all have our own complicated relationship with it. Some of us love it – 58% of people exercise at least once a week. While others can’t stand the idea, which is why 64% of people say they don’t look after their health as much as they know they should. But this is changing; over the period between 2011 and 2019, gym membership numbers increased from 4.5 million to 7 million.

All of this to say that when it comes to the UK public and working out, there are challenges. To add to that, some people struggle even more because of their allergies. Especially at this time of year when seasonal allergies can disrupt something that doesn’t usually present problems. So how can you ensure your allergies don’t get in the way of your exercise routine?

Change up your exercise

If your allergies are getting in the way of your workout, you can always try switching it up. There are a couple of ways this could happen.

One is to change up where you exercise. If, for example, you’re finding the pollen in the air is causing symptoms or the summer heat is triggering your asthma, you might consider moving indoors. Either your home or a gym would suffice.

Alternatively, you could try a different exercise. Running outdoors might be affecting you because of the reasons above, so you can try swimming instead. Time is another factor. Pollen is usually released early in the day, allowing it to spread across the late morning and evening. So try an earlier exercise – or later in the evening works too, once the pollen has settled.

Change your clothes

For seasonal allergy sufferers, you might think the symptoms aren’t enough of a nuisance to change your routine. That’s fair enough. But get into the habit of changing (and washing) your clothes as soon as you return. Pollen can stick to your clothes, meaning you risk bringing it into your home and aggravating your hay fever constantly. There’ll be no reprieve.

Similarly, you might consider washing yourself as soon as you get back. Jump in the shower quickly when you return and focus on your hair. That’s something pollen can cling on to. Plus, a post-workout shower always feels good, right? It’s two birds with one stone!

Think about your medication

Depending on your allergy, you may have a prescribed or over-the-counter medication to combat it. People with seasonal allergies can buy antihistamines at any good supermarket, for example. The important point here is to use it as recommended. If it’s a prescribed medication, follow your doctor’s advice.

For antihistamines, they’re best used as a preventative measure. Meaning they aren’t as effective if you take them once your symptoms start. You’ll have a much better time if you get in the habit of taking them at the same time every day while allergy season is ongoing. The only caveat to this is do consult your GP first. They might have advice that’s better suited to your unique needs.

In fact, that’s ultimately our last piece of advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your allergies, your best bet is to ask a professional. Be it your GP or an allergy specialist. They will be able to guide you through your ideal steps for dealing with your particular allergy. And how you can exercise in peace without it bothering you too much.

If you want any allergy advice, our team of allergy specialists is always happy to help. Reach out to us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient.

Three things at the gym that could be causing your allergies

7th April 2021

Three things at the gym that could be causing your allergies

On April 12th, parts of the UK will finally reopen, including gyms. For some, this is fantastic news. From professional goals to personal ones like eating better and exercising more, people want to get out there and feel healthy again.

But along with staying safe and avoiding the coronavirus, you may have to be careful of your allergies too. Here are three things at your gym that could be causing, or worsening, your allergies.

Products/cosmetics

Gyms offer shower gel, hand sanitiser, and sometimes towels. The alcohol in the hand sanitiser, the detergent used to wash the towels, and unknown ingredients in the shower gel may not agree with your skin and cause reactions.

Irritants can cause inflamed, cracked, and painful skin. Avoiding what causes the reaction will usually make the skin clear up after a few days or weeks. But some people can suffer from contact dermatitis in the long-term and it can affect their quality of life. Some may need to seek medical advice. 

Chlorine

While not technically an allergy, the chlorine in the pool can cause irritant dermatitis and worsen eczema. Chlorine rash occurs from frequent swimming, so a quick dip here and there shouldn’t hurt, but may exacerbate pre-existing dermatitis. 

The immune system identifying chlorine as something similar to bacteria or a virus may cause this chlorine rash and lead to it trying to fight it off. Symptoms of chlorine rash include an itchy, red rash, scaling or crusting, and hives.

Cholinergic Urticaria (CU) – allergic to sweat

A reaction brought on by raised body temperature, CU is a type of hives that can range from a mild reaction to life-threatening. Although it’s not clear what causes the reaction, it may be an allergic reaction to sweat. 

The hives are itchy, tingly, warm, and sometimes feel like they’re burning. In severe cases, other symptoms can accompany the hives, like headaches, salivation, fainting, wheezing, and abdominal cramps, among others. Sometimes CU can cause anaphylaxis. 

If you’re experiencing hives after your spin class or if your eczema feels irritated after swimming a few laps, you may have an allergy. The only way to be certain and receive the right treatment is to book an allergy test with a professional doctor or allergist.

Allergies shouldn’t get in the way of your life. To book an allergy test, or to get expert advice on how to handle your allergies, get in touch with us now on 02031 433 449.