Issn Print: 0195-9131
Publication Date: 2001/05/01
EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA: ARE WE OVERDIAGNOSING THE ELITE ATHLETE
K W. Rundell; R L. Wilber; K C. Beck; S D. Anderson
+ Author Information
Author Information: United States Olympic Committee at Lake Placid
Excerpt
The prevalence of exercise-induced asthma among elite athletes has been estimated by survey, pharmacological challenge, and post-exercise spirometry. The 25–50% prevalence reported for winter athletes is remarkably higher than the 12–20% reported for the general population. These numbers have lead to speculation of over diagnosis. Alternatively, bronchoconstriction in athletes may be related to dehydration injury or chronic exposure to irritant gases present in ice arenas. The high ventilation rates of these athletes during training and competition clearly put them at greater risk than the general population for airway dysfunction. This session will explore EIA in the winter athlete, airway function during exercise, EIA diagnosis and treatment, and speculation on airway narrowing due to dehydration injury and/or inspiration of irritant gases during exercise. Dr. Wilber will present current prevalence data on U.S. Olympic athletes. Dr. Rundell will provide support for the high prevalence of bronchoconstriction identified in the athlete population. In addition, evidence that suggests the underlying cause for EIA is different between indoor ice arena athletes and outdoor cold weather athletes will be presented. Dr. Beck will discuss airway function during exercise in normal and asthmatic individuals. Dr. Anderson will discuss changes in airway cells arising from dehydration that result in asthma-like airway narrowing.
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