I have been tested multiple times by different Allergists and they all came away saying I had no allergies, but Sacramento, Ca. is known for being terrible for allergies and even if you don't have allergies the allergens can overwhelm the system and you'll have allergy symptoms. I live right next to farm and open land, so lots of dust and pollens here.

I also have some type of a cold allergy. If I go in the ocean and the water is cool, I'll get a rash, like a heat rash, only it's from the cold. Bumps and all itchy, etc. I don't know if that has anything to do with the EIA, but I never had any asthma when I lived in a warmer climate. Of course I was younger, healthier, and thinner too. The EIA is definitely only being caused by the cold air. I'm trying to exercise and get my aerobic activity level up, but when you have a hard time breathing it's kind of hard. For now I just plug along and do the miles, and drop some weight, but it sure would be nice not to be in pain just when I'm trying to do a hill with a cold headwind! I did 54 miles yesterday, with some hill work and a headwind. I was dead last the whole ride but once it warmed up I felt OK, but by then I was pretty tired from huffing and puffing. I just hope the EIA goes away as I get in better condition.