Maggie Habashy’s Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis Puts Her at Risk Every Time She Works Out
A Minnesota woman has opened up about living with an extremely rare and dangerous condition—she is allergic to exercise.
Maggie Habashy, from Plymouth, Minnesota, has been diagnosed with exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA), a life-threatening allergic reaction triggered by physical activity. The condition causes symptoms ranging from hives and swelling to difficulty breathing and, in severe cases, can be fatal.
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A Life-Changing Discovery
Habashy first noticed something was wrong after giving birth to her child. When she attempted her first post-pregnancy run, she was suddenly overcome with intense itchiness.
“I realized my whole body was covered in hives,” she told Fox 9. “I thought maybe it was something environmental, but it kept happening—and it kept getting worse.”
As she continued trying to exercise, her reactions became more severe. In one terrifying episode, while fasting for Ramadan, she worked out on an empty stomach and felt her throat start to close.
A Close Call at the Emergency Room
During this severe reaction, Habashy rushed to the emergency room, where doctors were alarmed by her condition.
“My whole face was swollen up. I couldn’t talk,” she recalled. A doctor told her husband, “I don’t know what would have happened if she had waited ten more minutes.”
This was the moment she fully grasped the life-threatening nature of her condition.
Living with an Allergy to Exercise
EIA is an extremely rare condition, affecting only about 50 in every 100,000 people. Triggers can vary—some individuals react only when exercise is combined with certain foods, while others, like Habashy, experience symptoms unpredictably.
Even with precautions, working out remains a challenge. Fox 9 accompanied Habashy to a fitness class, where she was forced to stop after just 15 minutes due to her symptoms.
“Some days I make it 15 minutes, some days I make it 45,” she said. “It depends on the day. It’s frustrating, but I do my best and move on.”
Raising Awareness and Seeking Connection
Despite the obstacles, Habashy remains hopeful. She wants to raise awareness about EIA and connect with others who may be struggling with rare medical conditions.
“You feel so isolated not being able to control how your body might react,” she said. “I hope to connect with anyone else who is maybe struggling.”
While her condition makes exercise risky, Habashy continues to find ways to stay active while prioritizing her health and safety.
