Exercise‐induced respiratory symptoms and allergy in elite athletes: Allergy and Asthma in Polish Olympic Athletes (A²POLO) project within GA²LEN initiative

Abstract

High prevalence of exercise-induced respiratory symptoms among top athletes is not reflected by asthma diagnosis. As it was expected, our data confirm that - in diagnosis of EIA - lung function testing alone is not useful, whereas reversibility tests are of limited value.

Rhinitis in Elite and Non-Elite Field Hockey Players

“…Katelaris et al used comparable methodology to our study, asking Australian Olympic athletes to self-report of symptoms and found rhinitis in 56 % [16]. By comparison, studies which rely upon previous physician diagnosis tend to report much lower prevalence than our population: 25 % of German Olympic athletes [25] had a previous diagnosis of allergic rhinitis; 26.2 % of in Italian Olympic athletes [7]; and 27 % in Polish Olympians [17]. Reliance upon previous physician diagnosis has some obvious limitations, requiring the athlete to have attended for these symptoms and a doctor to have made the diagnosis and expressly communicated it.…”

Asthma prevalence in German Olympic athletes: A comparison of winter and summer sport disciplines

“…On the other hand, our study showed an approximate fourfold increased risk for elevated FE NO -values for asthmatic athletes. This might suggest an insufficient control of the asthma status and might explain asthma symptoms during exercise despite normal lung function test results at rest [74]. Unfortunately, we did not implement an asthma control questionnaire [75].…”

Serum but not exhaled breath condensate periostin level is increased in competitive athletes

“…Studies of the presence of periostin in bronchial lavages, sputum and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) have been carried out but these findings remain scarce and inconclusive. Exercise‐induced asthma and bronchoconstriction are believed to be underestimated in professional athletes . Changes in the serum levels of innate immunity proteins are known to occur in professional athletes during the training season, in response to exercise load and ambient training conditions .…”

“…Exercise-induced asthma and bronchoconstriction are believed to be underestimated in professional athletes. 8,9 Changes in the serum levels of innate immunity proteins are known to occur in professional athletes during the training season, in response to exercise load and ambient training conditions. 10 Increases in serum periostin may be associated with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction but little evidence is available to support this.…”