[Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in non-asthmatic athletes].
BACKGROUND
A new clinical entity, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), has been recently defined which describes bronchoconstriction occurring in association with exercise in susceptible non-asthmatic persons.


BACKGROUND
There is considerable evidence that the pathogenesis of this condition is related to airway injury, due to prolonged hyperventilation and aggressive environmental factors. If the objective diagnostic tests are identical for the diagnosis of exercise induced asthma and EIB, the diagnoses are established differently, according to the high sensitivity of provocation by exercise "in the field" or the eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation provocation test.


CONCLUSIONS
Current pharmacological treatment is based upon the inhalation of ß2-agonists prior to exercise, but to be granted permission to use them, athletes are required to provide documentation of objective evidence of EIB. Therefore, the diagnostic pathway in athletes is essential and respiratory physicians need to know the specific features of this new clinical entity.


CONCLUSIONS
EIB distinct from the presence of asthma is prevalent in elite athletes and its determinants should be well known by their health care providers to assure an optimal management of this peculiar disease, in respect to drug doping regulations.
Poussel
M
M
Service des explorations fonctionnelles respiratoires et de l'aptitude à l'exercice, CHU de Nancy-Brabois Adultes, rue du Morvan, 54511 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
Chenuel
B
B
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D056352:Athletes; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003948:Diagnostic Techniques, Respiratory System; D019468:Disease Management; D004300:Doping in Sports / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents