title: Physical allergies.
abstract: Allergic responses that occur as a result of exposure to physical stimuli are discussed. Most of these conditions are mediated by vasoactive substances, resulting in urticaria and/or angioedema. Susceptible individuals who engage in athletic activities may place themselves at particular risk for these problems. The physical allergies include cholinergic urticaria, exercise-induced anaphylaxis, cold urticaria, dermatographism, solar urticaria, and aquagenic urticaria. Management of these conditions includes patient education, selective avoidance, antihistamines, and, in some cases, induction of tolerance.
authors.affiliation: Brigham and Women's Hospital, New England Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Horan
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Sheffer
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Briner
mesh_terms: D000799:Angioedema / Q000209:etiology; D003080:Cold Temperature; D015444:Exercise; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D014581:Urticaria / Q000209:etiology*