GA2LEN Researchers Follow European Olympic Athletes To Beijing To Assess Diagnosis Rates Of Asthma And Allergies

Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma;  Allergy
Article Date: 30 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

GA2LEN centres will be following athletes selected for the Olympic Games 2008 to assess the prevalence and diagnosis rates of asthma and allergies among top athletes in summer sports.

This study is the first pan-European study on allergy and asthma in athletes, designed as part of GA2LEN joint research activities on sports and allergic diseases.

It was initiated in Norway on request of the National Olympic Committee, to follow athletes and provide optimal care if needed. The scientists were also interested in learning more about the effect of air quality and pollution on the athletes.

Objective & Expected Outcome

The scientists are looking to substantiate a number of information, including

- Specify the prevalence of asthma, exercise induced asthma and other allergic diseases among European athletes qualified for the Beijing Olympics
- Assess the impact of environmental pollution on asthma symptoms and lung function, identify athletes who may develop symptoms

Sport, asthma and allergic diseases

It is suspected that physical activity may trigger symptoms both in allergic athletes and in non-professional exercisers. In endurance sports, higher levels of asthma may be due to the prolonged periods with highly increased ventilation and the duration of high level physical activity performed. The highly increased ventilation of endurance top athletes is adequate and in relationship to the demands of their exercising body. This is different to the hyperventilation asthma patients can experience: an increase ventilation out of relationship to the demand.

Different types of sport and prevalence

Up to 20 percent of summer sports athletes have asthma. Endurance sports in particular such as runners, swimmers, and cyclists have been reported to have a higher prevalence.

Background document on the Ga2len Olympic Study

http://www.ga2len.net