Anaphylaxis in two children with exercise-induced food allergy

Anaphylaxis in individuals with exercise-induced food allergy is a rare but peculiar event in individuals with food allergy. Here, we report two cases of this phenomenon, one in a 13-year-old wheat-sensitive boy, the other in a 12-year-old girl allergic to peach and grape. The clinical features included repeated anaphylactic reactions with urticaria, angioedema, respiratory and digestive signs and loss of consciousness, all occurring during intense physical effort. Prick-tests with native foods were strongly positive. The specific serum IgE for wheat and an exercise challenge test after a meal containing wheat were positive in the first patient. Avoidance of the causative foods in the 4 to 5 hours before physical effort was recommended. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.