Author/Authors :
Gawlik, Radoslaw Department of Internal Diseases - Allergy and Clinical Immunology - Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland , Kurowski, Marcin Department of Immunology and Allergy - Medical University of Lodz, Poland , Kowalski, Marek Department of Immunology and Allergy - Medical University of Lodz, Poland , Ziętkowski, Ziemowit Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine - University of Bialystok, Poland , Pokrywka, Andrzej Department of Applied and Clinical Physiology - Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences - University of Zielona Gora, Poland , Krysztofiak, Hubert Polish Society of Sports Medicine , Krzywański, Jarosław Polish Society of Sports Medicine , Bugajski, Andrzej Polish Society of Sports Medicine , Bartuzi, Zbigniew Department of Allergy - Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine - Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz - Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland
Abstract :
Exercise-induced respiratory symptoms describe acute airway narrowing that occurs as a result of exercise. It includes exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and exercise-induced asthma (EIA) issues. To provide clinicians with practical guidelines, a multidisciplinary panel of stakeholders was convened to review the pathogenesis of EIB/EIA and to develop evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of EIB were developed. High-intensity exercise in polluted environment (cold air, humidity, contamination, allergens) may increase the risk of EIB and asthma symptoms in athletes. Diagnostic procedures should include history taking, physical examination, atopy assessment and functional tests of the respiratory system. A strong recommendation was made for regular use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids and avoidance of short-acting β2-agonists as the only treatment. The treatment of asthma in athletes should always take into account current anti-doping regulations. This position paper reflects the currently available evidence.
