Exercise Intolerance 101: When Exercise Feels Like an Allergy
Did you know some people are allergic to exercise?
It might sound strange, but for some, exercise triggers allergic-like reactions! This phenomenon is becoming more common, especially among individuals recovering from COVID-19. Let’s explore how this happens and what it means for those affected.
The Rise of Exercise Allergies Post-COVID
High-performance athletes and everyday individuals alike are reporting unusual symptoms after physical activity: heart palpitations, chest pain, and extreme fatigue. For many, this can be linked to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Mast cells are part of the immune system, and when they’re overactive, they release chemicals like histamine that cause inflammation. Post-COVID, some people experience a heightened sensitivity in these cells, leading to what feels like an allergic reaction to exercise.
Heart Problems and Mast Cells
MCAD doesn’t just cause hives or itching—it can lead to serious heart symptoms. When triggered by exercise, mast cells can cause:
- Heart palpitations (a racing or irregular heartbeat),
- Chest pain,
- Shortness of breath or feeling faint.
For some, these symptoms mimic heart conditions, but they’re actually the result of an immune overreaction.
Exercise Intolerance and Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)
Another challenge many post-COVID individuals face is exercise intolerance. This goes beyond discomfort—simple activities can leave them completely drained for days, a condition known as Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM).
- PEM Symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue,
- Muscle or joint pain,
- Brain fog,
- Worsening of other symptoms after minor exertion.
These reactions make it nearly impossible to maintain a normal exercise routine.
So, What’s the Solution?
For those struggling with MCAS, exercise intolerance, or PEM, a one-size-fits-all fitness plan simply doesn’t work. That’s where technologies like KineDek AI-CRT can help. By offering low-impact, adaptive resistance exercise, it provides a safe way to stay active without overtaxing the body. Unlike traditional workouts, KineDek sessions are designed to work with your body’s unique contraction rhythms, minimizing triggers and maximizing recovery.
Exercise is vital for health, but for those with post-COVID complications, it needs to be reimagined. If you or someone you know struggles with these issues, know that solutions are available to help reclaim health and vitality safely.
Want to learn more? Let’s discuss how exercise can be tailored to your needs!
Additional Sources & Reading
- Adapted from "Exercise Intolerance 101" by Dr Becky Campbell
- National Library of Medicine: Immunological dysfunction and mast cell activation syndrome in long COVID.
- Frontiers in Cellular & Infection Microbiology: Mast cell activation triggered by SARS-CoV-2 causes inflammation in brain microvascular endothelial cells and microglia.
- BBC: Long Covid triggered our MCAS, but doctors didn't believe us.
