Running with allergies – is it possible?

Beautiful spring weather is the perfect time for runners to do a decent workout outside. However, not everyone will be happy about it. Spring as well as the beginning of summer is a time when many plants start to produce pollen. People who are allergic to it that become active during this time can really suffer. A congested nose, and watery eyes – these are just a few symptoms. For allergy sufferers, ideal running conditions for others can become a nightmare. 

Is it possible to run when allergy season begins? How to cope with it and how to prepare well so that the training is pleasant? Running and allergies how to combine it? In this article I will answer these and many other questions for you. See how to survive the pollen season and run comfortably and safely no matter what is outside or what you are allergic to.

Allergies – what you should know about them  

Nowadays it’s hard to look for people who don’t have any allergies. Many people don’t even know they have one, because they don’t go to the doctor to get checked out, because the symptoms are not that bothersome or serious, so they just ignore them. 

What often happens with allergies is that they can appear suddenly. You don’t have to have been allergic to something from a young age – suddenly you start experiencing typical symptoms and it turns out that the pollen plants trigger reactions in your body that didn’t happen before. 

Allergies can also disappear on their own. Although many people who face such problems go to the doctor and choose desensitization. Desensitization is the systematic taking of small doses of the allergen to which one is allergic. In this way, the immune system slowly begins to get used to it and tolerate it. 

Can you run with allergies?

Yes, but you need to take special measures and follow certain rules that can get you through the training and return home satisfied with running and not tired because you had to struggle with allergy symptoms.

How to deal with allergies before the training? 

Watch for symptoms – don’t ignore them

Allergy symptoms vary and everyone will go through it differently. One person will end up with just a runny nose, while another person will have lots of other symptoms that make it even more difficult not only to run but also to function normally. 

When you think of pollen allergies you probably think first and foremost of a runny nose and sneezing, but that’s not all. There are a whole host of other symptoms. What are they? 

• watery eyes, 
• abdominal pain and vomiting, 
• diarrhea, 
• sudden shortness of breath and difficulty breathing – this symptom is probably the scariest not only for people who have allergies but also for those around them, 
• headaches and sinusitis, 
• conjunctivitis, 
• rashes on the body, 
• itching of the skin,
• swelling of the face.

Yes, I know that’s a lot of symptoms. However, remember that even if you only have a runny nose at the very beginning, you shouldn’t ignore the problem. If you know what you’re allergic to, then try to avoid places where the pollen level is high, so you don’t risk aggravating your allergy. 

So running with allergies? You may worry that running may aggravate your allergy, but if you approach this problem sensibly you will find that even when the plants pollinate, you can still run outside.

Find out what makes you allergic 

Do you have any of the above symptoms during the pollen season? It could be an allergy. To find out, you need to undergo allergy testing and examination. To do this, go to an allergist and get the necessary tests done. Then you will know how to plan your route to avoid the very plants that harm you.

However, you need to know that sometimes it can be difficult to detect the cause of your symptoms. You need to be patient, sometimes it even takes several tests to find out exactly where the problem is. To make your visit to the allergist more effective, you must remember to go to them after allergy season. That’s when you no longer have an allergic reaction and it’s easier to determine what’s wrong with you. 

When you finally get a diagnosis and know what pollen is harmful to you you will be able to get the right treatment and organize your session to run better.

What tests should be performed by an allergist? 

The first way is a blood test, where the level of IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies is checked. When an allergy to a particular pollen is present, then the level of this antibody is elevated. 

Another way is skin tests, which are performed very frequently among people who want to know if they are allergic. They involve injecting a diluted dose of pollen extract under the skin. Most often such tests are performed on the forearm or back. If you are allergic to a particular pollen, then the skin will be red at the injection site. However, you must bear in mind that sometimes the tests may not show the expected results because the skin can be resistant to pollen.

Find out when the allergies strike the most 

Once you know exactly what you’re allergic to, check the calendar to find out what months you’ll be most prone to allergy symptoms.

Of course, it all depends on the region where you live but:

• Tree pollen – late March to mid-May 
• Grass pollen – mid-May to July 
• Weed pollen – end of June to September. 

Check the pollen calendar for the region in which you run. Take it into account when planning your starts and preparing for competitions.

Choose the right treatment

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can get treatment. You have several ways to choose from: 

• antihistamines – it is best to start taking them about 2 weeks before the pollen season to which you are allergic. These drugs reduce the release of histamine, which causes a runny nose, sneezing, or other symptoms. This will allow you to run freely and not get tired every day throughout the pollen season. Always consult with your doctor first and choose the right medication. 
• vasoconstrictor drugs – are preparations that counteract congestion of the sinuses and nose. Moreover, they are also used during conjunctivitis. Using these drugs, after prior consultation with your doctor, you will reduce the symptoms that occur. 
• desensitization – this form of treatment is usually opted for by people who have been struggling with allergies for many years. It involves regular visits to the doctor. During each session, a small amount of the pollen extract to which the patient is allergic is administered. With these visits, the body becomes more and more resistant to the pollen. However, desensitization is a long process, and one must be prepared for the fact that the treatment can last 3-5 years.

How to run with allergies? Some helpful tips

When to run? – best after the rain 

The best time to run for allergy sufferers is after the rain. Why? Because that’s when the pollen is flushed away and you can finally run without worrying that you’ll get a sudden runny nose or your eyes will start to water a lot. What’s more, at this time the air is pleasant and crisp. Therefore, look forward to the rain – then you will be able to perform your training in the best conditions. Go for a workout right away, after a downpour, before the sun starts to dry out the pollen for good.

Check the weather forecast 

Plan your running with the weather app open. The best is the days when it rains. That’s when you have the best chance to do a workout without “major” allergy problems. When it happens to be dry for a long time, it means that a lot of pollen may be in the air. On such days it is sometimes better to do a workout on a treadmill at home or at the gym.

Running with allergies – Choose the right time of day 

It will not always rain. Often there are periods in spring and summer when not a drop of rain falls on the ground. Therefore, keep track of what time of day is best for running – that is, when the pollen level of the pollen you are allergic to is lowest. 

There are many phone apps and sites on the Internet that will show you what the concentration of a particular pollen is in your area. This allows you to determine what time to go for a workout. It may happen that this makes your running times not regular, but what is not done for pleasure and training without the added fatigue of allergies.

For those with seasonal allergies, looking to an allergy calendar can be extremely useful. A generalized calendar shows when the primary allergenic plants pollinate. It’s important to remember that many variables are at play, including which region you live in and height above the sea. 

Don’t run when there is a lot of smog 

Running when there is pollution in the air can adversely affect allergy symptoms and not increase them even more. That’s why it’s a good idea to check not only the pollen levels you’re allergic to but also the smog levels in your area before setting out on a running route.

Purchase a mask for an allergy sufferer 

To protect your respiratory tract, it is worth investing in an anti-smog running mask. This will prevent pollen from getting into your nose and throat. By choosing products with a filter, you can be sure that the mask will protect you from dust, particles, as well as bacteria and fungi.

Don’t forget to protect your eyes 

When you go out for a run, take glasses with you to protect your eyes from airborne pollen. This will eliminate the risk of conjunctivitis. 

These can be sunglasses or the regular glasses you wear every day (or sports glasses, if you have them). If you’re a fan of wearing contact lenses, forgo them when training during the pollen season. Pollen can settle on them, which will lead to inflammation.

Take more water with you 

In this case, it’s not just about drinking. While running, you will be able to wash your hands and your face which may be allergic to pollen. Certainly, the downside will be that you will have to stop for a while to wash yourself. However, it’s worth it, as it eases your reaction to the pollen floating everywhere.

Wash your clothes and wash up after your workout

After returning from your workout, don’t hesitate to shower. But first, wash your face thoroughly – focus on the eye and nose area. Then wash yourself thoroughly to rinse the pollen that has attached and come home with you. 

Also, remember to throw your sports clothes in the washing machine. Allergic pollen has also settled on them.

That’s all I have for you in this article. It’s certainly a lot of information, especially for a person who is just starting running and has some kind of allergies. Training may be hard but try to follow all the tips you’ve learned here, and you’ll definitely be able to train better and your allergies won’t be as bothersome. Remember to go to the doctor, look for the cause and detect what you are allergic to. This will make it easier to deal with your symptoms even during the strongest pollen season.