Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a very common disorder that may have considerable impact on the lives of those who suffer from its symptoms. Often, we contrast the significance of EIB on recreational versus competitive (or elite) athletes. Any athlete with EIB, from recreational to elite, Olympic, or competitive athletes, may have a comparable decrease in quality of life as a direct consequence of impaired overall exercise performance. EIB is an indicator of active and treatable airway pathophysiology consistent with asthma, identifying the presence of airway inflammation and sensitive airway smooth muscle. It also identifies airways that are treatable by pharmacotherapies that are successful in the treatment of asthma. It is important to identify objectively EIB in the athlete using standardized bronchial provocation tests as symptoms are not a useful diagnostic predictor of the presence or severity of EIB. It is important to treat EIB in a similar manner as treating asthma. Optimal treatment should not just decrease daily symptoms of asthma, but significantly attenuate or even abolish EIB. To achieve this, the health-care provider must understand the prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and underlying mechanisms of EIB.
© Copyright 2018 Allergy and Asthma. Veröffentlicht von Springer. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.