{"id":54155,"date":"2022-09-26T09:30:05","date_gmt":"2022-09-26T13:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=54155"},"modified":"2024-08-06T12:39:54","modified_gmt":"2024-08-06T16:39:54","slug":"exercise-after-allergy-shot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/exercise-after-allergy-shot\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I exercise after allergy shots?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When oral antihistamines and <\/span>OTC nasal steroids<\/span><\/a> don\u2019t effectively treat allergy symptoms, people often seek relief from injections, also known as allergy shots. \u201cAllergy shots are a form of immunosuppressive therapy that can help patients avoid triggers for a prolonged period of time,\u201d says <\/span>Sabrina Barata<\/span><\/a>, MD, a primary care doctor at Mercy Personal Physicians.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whatever your particular allergens are\u2014often confirmed via formal allergy testing at an allergist\u2019s office\u2014allergy shots <\/span>target your immune system\u2019s response to those allergens<\/span><\/a>, desensitizing your body enough to reduce the allergic reaction you typically have when you come into contact with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The problem? The desensitization process can cause some mild side effects, which may be worsened by any kind of strenuous or vigorous exercise. If you\u2019re planning to get on an allergy shot regimen, here\u2019s what you need to know about exercising before and after your appointments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you exercise after you get allergy shots?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even though 99% of expert-given health advice recommends exercising regularly, there are exceptions to that popular rule. Before and after receiving immunotherapy for allergies, commonly referred to as allergy shots, is one of those rare exceptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Barata says this is because <\/span>allergy shots work<\/span><\/a> by introducing small amounts of specific allergens to your body in order to trigger an immune response. That means there is a possibility of minor side effects, sort of like when you get a flu shot and feel achy, sore, or tired.<\/span><\/p>\n

It also means that exercising can exacerbate this immune response, increasing your likelihood of symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you exercise, you increase blood flow and heart rate throughout your body,\u201d says <\/span>Kathleen Dass, MD<\/span><\/a>, an allergist and immunologist in Michigan. \u201cThis causes the allergens to spread faster, which can increase your risk for an allergic reaction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

So how long should you space out your workouts and your allergy shot appointments? \u201cIt\u2019s generally recommended that you wait one to two hours before or after exercise,\u201d says Dr. Dass, who adds that this recommendation applies to <\/span>allergy shot appointments<\/span><\/a> in both the buildup and the maintenance phases<\/span><\/p>\n

Basically, regardless if it\u2019s your first time getting an allergy shot or you\u2019re an old pro, the recommendation is to avoid exercise immediately before and after your appointment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What about allergy testing?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

You should also avoid exercising right before and for three hours after <\/span>allergy testing<\/span><\/a>, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA). Again, it can increase your chances of having an allergic reaction, which can both skew your test results and cause severe reactions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can exercising boost or reduce your immune response to allergy shots?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s not much evidence either way that exercising before or after allergy shots has an effect on your body\u2019s immune response. The risk with exercising too close to receiving your allergy shots is only about having an increased chance of reaction, not about increasing or decreasing immune function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Dass notes that exercise in general has been shown to help improve allergies; it\u2019s widely accepted that regular moderate exercise <\/span>improves immune function<\/span><\/a>, and some <\/span>studies<\/span><\/a> have suggested that this can have benefits on allergic rhinitis symptoms as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, other studies caution that there are <\/span>benefits <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>drawbacks to engaging in physical activity<\/span><\/a> if you have allergies and asthma, so make sure you always get your provider\u2019s approval before performing vigorous or excessive exercise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Are any workouts okay to do after allergy shots?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Generally, says Dr. Dass, the recommendation to avoid working out before and after allergy shots applies to all exercises. But she adds that strenuous and vigorous exercise has been reported more often as increasing your risk for a reaction\u2014so while some normal physical activity as you go about your day is likely fine, anything that really gets your heart pumping should be avoided.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of activity that are usually okay<\/span><\/h3>\n

You don\u2019t have to put yourself on bedrest before and after your shots; as long as you can do so without sweating or needing to catch your breath, it\u2019s okay to move your body and perform light activities such as:<\/span><\/p>\n