The combination of strenuous exercise and London pollution may cause extra breathing problems for Olympic athletes who suffer from exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).
An estimated 1 in 6 of all Olympic athletes are affected by EIB, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
Olympic athletes have a higher prevalence of EIB and may not notice. It is harder to spot because it is not chronic asthma but a narrowing of the airways specifically triggered by exercise.
EIB is sometimes referred to as exercise-induced asthma (EIA) and has symptoms such as: wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. Experts say that while they know what the potential triggering events for EIB are, they do not fully understand the underlying development of the disease and the chain of events leading up to it (pathogenesis).
Patients generally experience symptoms 5-20 minutes after beginning exercise, and have to supplement their breathing with mouth-breathing; air coming in through the mouth has not been warmed and humidified by the nasal passages, which causes blood flow to the linings of the bronchial tree to increase, resulting in inflammation. This is followed by constriction of the vessels, and further obstruction to airflow. Sometimes, symptoms may appear after the exercise session is completed.
During the current Olympic Games in London, pollution will include nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants that can irritate the airways and even cause an asthma attack.
Controller and rescue prescription medications are used to treat asthma. Some of these are now allowed to be used during the Olympic Games after recent changes in anti-doping regulations.
Experts have agreed that exercise is healthy and asthma should not keep people from participating in sports.
Throughout the world, over 300 million people suffer from asthma – exercise can sometimes make symptoms worse.
William S. Silvers, MD, FAAAAI, of the AAAAI’s Sports Medicine Committee comments:
“Whether you are a professional athlete or a backyard enthusiast, understanding warning signs, staying hydrated and knowing when to use your medication can help control asthma and keep you from sitting on the sideline.”
Susceptible athletes are more likely to suffer from EIB when competing and training in large cities
Kelly Fitzgerald