Background: Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is a rare physical allergy, sometimes severe, triggered by exertion following specific food intake. Although described several years ago, this condition is not well known; the diagnosis is frequently made several years after follow up.

Objective: To describe the physiopathologic mechanism, etiologic factors, clinical manifestations and diagnostic means.

Methods: Review of the literature.

Results: It is likely that execise induce the release of a sufficient amount of mediators from mast IgE dependant cells exceeding a certain threshold. A number of food trigger have been suggested in EIA, the most commonly reported agent is wheat which has to be systematically looked for. A range of physical activities have been associated with EIA. Intensive physical activities are more likely to provoke an attack than less strenuous ones. The recognition of specific food causative role do not indicate the avoidance of food intake but exercise is forbidden within the four hours following specific aliment ingestion.

Conclusions: Further studies seem to be necessary to clarify the mechanism of food dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis.