Exercice-induced bronchoconstriction among athletes: Assessment of bronchial provocation tests.
Diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) requires the use of bronchial provocation tests (BPTs). We assessed exercise-induced respiratory symptoms (EIRS), EIB and asthma in athletes and evaluated the validity of BPTs in the diagnosis of EIB. Rhinitis and atopy were also assessed. Athletes with (n=55) and without previous asthma diagnosis (n=145) were tested by skin prick tests, lung function and eNO measurements. EIRS were recorded and EIB was assessed by methacholine (Mch), eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH), mannitol and exercise test. EIRS were highly reported and history of asthma was common among athletes. A high prevalence of atopy (48.7%) and allergic rhinitis (30.5%) was found. Athletes with asthma had a higher response rate to Mch and to EVH, as compared with athletes without a previous asthma diagnosis (P=0.012 and P=0.017 respectively). Report of EIRS, rhinitis and atopy were not associated with a positive BPT response. Screening athletes for EIB using BPTs is suggested, irrespective of reported EIRS or a previous asthma diagnosis.
Asthma and Allergy Centre, Medical School, University of Athens, Evgenidio Hospital, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: sofiavak@gmail.com.
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Vakali
Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences and 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Vogiatzis
Asthma and Allergy Centre, Medical School, University of Athens, Evgenidio Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Florou
Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Giavi
Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences and 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Zakynthinos
Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Centre for Pediatrics and Child Health, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, UK.
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Papadopoulos
Asthma and Allergy Centre, Medical School, University of Athens, Evgenidio Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Gratziou
D000293:Adolescent; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D056352:Athletes; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic / Q000503:physiopathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Allergic rhinitis; Asthma; Athletes; Bronchial provocation tests; Exercise; Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction