Exercise induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is a rare and potentially life-threatening syndrome characterized by anaphylaxis provoked by exercise. Although vaginal delivery with labor pain is a physical strain for women and a possible trigger for EIA, no consensus exists on the management strategy of delivery in patients with EIA. A 28-year-old primigravida was referred to our hospital because of history of EIA, associated with pruritus, urticaria, and respiratory distress, exacerbated during physical activity. To avoid physical stress, we chose scheduled labor induction with epidural anesthesia, and administered prophylactic intravenous hydrocortisone. She delivered vaginally with no symptoms suggestive of EIA during labor. Since it is quite possible for patients with EIA to develop anaphylaxis during vaginal delivery with labor pain, epidural anesthesia and prophylactic steroid administration may be the most rational approaches for delivery in pregnant women with EIA.

Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) denotes a range of disorders where anaphylaxis occurs in relation to physical exercise. Typical symptoms include flushing, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, hypotension, and collapse during or after exercise. The far best described entity within EIA is food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA), where symptoms only occur in combination with food intake. Frequency and predictability of symptoms vary, and some patients experience symptoms only if exercise is accompanied by other co-factors Areas covered: In the present review, we aimed to provide an overview of EIA, diagnostic workup, causes, management and discuss areas in need of further research. Expert opinion: Though rare, EIA is an entity that all allergists and practicing physicians should recognize. The pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms of EIA are largely unknown. Management is centered upon avoidance of eliciting factors, where emergency plans are individualized, except a mandatory prescription of an adrenaline auto-injector.