Running With Allergies

Minimizing Allergy Problems For Outdoor Exercise

Oct 27, 2008 Anne Valente

Runners with allergies can take certain measures to minimize allergic reactions outdoors and enjoy their runs.

Many runners have seasonal allergies that pop up in the spring and fall, which may make outdoor exercise particularly uncomfortable. However, allergies don’t have to sideline runners who prefer outdoor exercise if the condition is properly managed. Taking certain precautions and preventative measures can help runners keep up their outdoor routine through even the most allergen-prone seasons.

How Allergens Affect Runners

Runners with allergies may experience discomfort during outdoor exercise due to their body’s intolerance of substances in the environment, which may fluctuate with the seasons. According to the American College of Sports Medicine’s “Exercising with Allergies and Asthma” (2007), these allergens may include pollen, ragweed, grass, mold and animal dander. When a runner is exposed to these substances, his or her body produces inflammatory chemicals that bring on common allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes and even rashes. Such symptoms can make running difficult and at times even impossible, if the runner’s breathing is affected by congestion.

Measures to Prevent Allergic Reactions

Unfortunately, running may be one of the likeliest forms of outdoor exercise to bring on allergic reactions. According to WebMD’s Colette Bouchez (“Exercise Outdoors – Even With Allergies,” February 24, 2005), running is a high-impact form of exercise that increases the respiratory rate, and as a result, increases the likelihood that allergens will be inhaled. However, even the most sensitive of runners can take measures to prevent strong allergic reactions outdoors. Bouchez advises paying attention to daily pollen counts, and exercising between 5 and 10 a.m., when counts are at their lowest. Weather can affect pollen counts as well, and Bouchez maintains that cooler, wetter weather will produce lower counts that make running more tolerable.

Other precautions can be taken as well. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends breathing through the nose as much as possible, since the nasal passages act as natural air filters that will weed out allergens. Avoiding high-allergen running paths through fields, forests, and grassy plains can also help keep allergic reactions down. In addition, Bouchez suggests wearing wraparound sunglasses that will block eye irritants, and to avoid outdoor exercise if stressed, tired or jetlagged, since a weak immune system is more sensitive to allergens.

Preventing Allergies Post-Run

Measures can be taken not only during exercise, but afterward as well to prevent allergic reactions. Upon returning home, Bouchez suggests that runners take a shower, wash their hair and change clothes as soon as possible. This will help reduce allergy symptoms by ridding the body of any allergens that have latched onto clothing or hair during an outdoor run. Bouchez also recommends shutting windows, turning on air conditioning if possible, and even using a saline nasal spray if needed, to rid the nasal passages of any lingering allergens.

Though allergies can be a hindrance to outdoor runners, symptoms can be managed if proper precautions are taken during and after runs. Taking care to minimize contact with harmful allergens can keep runners on the path outdoors, enjoying their exercise in the open air.

The copyright of the article Running With Allergies in Running & Marathons is owned by Anne Valente. Permission to republish Running With Allergies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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