A Minnesota woman, Maggie Habashy, has uncovered a rare and life-threatening condition that makes even mild exercise perilous. Diagnosed with exercise-induced anaphylaxis, Habashy, a native of Plymouth, faces severe allergic reactions that can escalate from hives and nausea to critical throat swelling and even death. Today, she carries two doses of epinephrine wherever she goes, prepared for an emergency. “People joke, saying ‘Ha ha, me too! I’m allergic to working out,’” Habashy shared with Fox News. “But no, it’s like, literally, it could kill me.”
A decade of mysterious symptoms
Habashy’s symptoms first surfaced subtly about ten years ago, following the birth of her first child. Her initial post-baby workout led to a sudden outbreak of hives. “I went out for my first run after I had her; it was a couple of months after, and I just felt really itchy,” Habashy recalled. “I realized my whole body was covered in hives… And then it kept happening, but each time, it got worse.” Over time, Habashy found herself repeatedly forced to stop workouts as symptoms intensified—her eyes swelled shut, her torso itched uncontrollably, and hives spread across her body. A series of tests with allergists revealed no food triggers, which is highly unusual for this condition.
A unique, says a leading specialist
Dr. Micah Karasov, Habashy’s current allergist, highlighted the uniqueness of her case. “Maggie’s case is unique in that there was clearly not a food trigger because she was fasting during the time,” Karasov explained, citing that, for most, avoiding certain foods before exercise reduces reaction risks. Typically, foods such as alcohol, nuts, shellfish, and soy have been linked to exercise-induced anaphylaxis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, for Habashy, symptoms arose without dietary connections.
A harrowing emergency room visit
While fasting for Ramadan, Habashy faced one of her most severe reactions just 20 minutes into a workout. Feeling an itch in her throat, she contacted her husband, who rushed her to the emergency room, alarmed by her swelling face and her inability to speak. “He said the doctor looked really scared,” Habashy recounted. “She said, ‘I don’t know what would have happened if she had waited 10 minutes.’”
Navigating triggers and managing the condition
Despite her condition, Habashy remains determined to stay active, though exercise sessions are often cut short as symptoms begin within minutes. External factors, such as cold or hormonal changes, can further exacerbate her reactions.
Dr. Karasov stresses vigilance and preparation for those managing similar conditions: “Always carry EpiPens and stop exercising if you start having a reaction. Stopping early can keep the reaction mild.” As Habashy navigates the challenges of her rare condition, her experience underscores the importance of awareness and preparedness for those facing unpredictable, exercise-related allergies.
