In Minnesota, Maggie Habashy faces a daily struggle with a rare and potentially fatal condition known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA), as reported by Fox 9. For Habashy, even moderate physical exertion can trigger severe reactions, from intense itching and hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. This rare condition, which affects an estimated 0.05% of the population, forces her to carefully manage a lifestyle where physical activity could, quite literally, end her life.
Habashy first noticed symptoms a decade ago, shortly after the birth of her daughter, when a routine run led to overwhelming itching and hives, according to ABC News. Initially, she suspected that common allergens like pollen or dust were the cause. However, as her symptoms worsened, doctors diagnosed her with exercise-induced anaphylaxis, warning her of the life-threatening potential of her condition if untreated.
During a recent workout observed by Fox 9, Habashy’s symptoms became apparent within just 15 minutes, causing her to halt her activity due to intense itching and mouth numbness. “Sometimes I make it 15 minutes, sometimes I make it 45,” she explained. “Some days are more emotional than others. I get frustrated that I can’t finish, but I just do the best I can and move on.”
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a rare allergic reaction triggered by physical activity. Symptoms can include severe itching, hives, and swelling around the eyes, face, lips, and throat, which may lead to breathing difficulties and even fainting. For some individuals, EIA is linked to specific foods eaten before exercising, while others experience reactions regardless of food intake. In extreme cases, these reactions can be fatal. To manage the condition, those with EIA are advised to avoid known triggers, carry an EpiPen for emergencies, and stay vigilant to any warning signs.
While many with EIA can manage symptoms by avoiding specific foods before exercise, Habashy’s case is more complicated. Her allergy specialist, Dr. Micah Karasov, noted that unlike others, Habashy’s symptoms are not linked to any food triggers, per Fox 9’s coverage. She has experienced reactions even when fasting, including during Ramadan, when her symptoms appeared less than 30 minutes into a workout. In her words, “People think I’m exaggerating or making excuses,” she said, adding, “No, literally, it could kill me.”
The life-threatening nature of EIA has tragically claimed lives, including that of 21-year-old Maisie Durant. According to the Evening Standard, Durant collapsed and died in 2015 after eating a cereal bar and working out, unaware that exercise could intensify her nut allergy. Despite her lifelong allergy, Durant did not know that EIA could exacerbate her condition, and her father believes this lack of awareness contributed to her death.
Another survivor of EIA, Kasia Beaver, a 33-year-old mother of four in the UK, experienced her first attack in her 20s. According to Daily Mail, Beaver initially thought her symptoms were due to an allergen in makeup until a gym session led her to the emergency room. After extensive testing, she was diagnosed with EIA. Now, with the help of medications, she can take light walks but has given up strenuous exercise. Like Habashy, she often encounters scepticism about her condition, with some assuming her allergy is an excuse to avoid physical activity.
Living with EIA means that people like Habashy and Beaver must approach even the most routine physical activities with caution. Their reliance on emergency medication and the vigilance required to prevent flare-ups highlight the seriousness of this often misunderstood condition. Greater awareness of EIA could help provide essential support for those who, like Habashy, must live each day managing a life-threatening allergy that can be triggered by something as simple as a brisk walk.
