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Ora J, De Marco P, Gabriele M, Cazzola M, Rogliani P. Exercise-Induced Asthma: Managing Respiratory Issues in Athletes. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:15. [PMID: 38249092 PMCID: PMC10801521 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a complex respiratory condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation and variable expiratory airflow limitation, affecting millions globally. Among athletes, particularly those competing at elite levels, the prevalence of respiratory conditions is notably heightened, varying between 20% and 70% across specific sports. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common issue among athletes, impacting their performance and well-being. The prevalence rates vary based on the sport, training environment, and genetics. Exercise is a known trigger for asthma, but paradoxically, it can also improve pulmonary function and alleviate EIB severity. However, athletes' asthma phenotypes differ, leading to varied responses to medications and challenges in management. The unique aspects in athletes include heightened airway sensitivity, allergen, pollutant exposure, and temperature variations. This review addresses EIB in athletes, focusing on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. The pathogenesis of EIB involves complex interactions between physiological and environmental factors. Airway dehydration and cooling are key mechanisms, leading to osmotic and thermal theories. Airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness are common factors. Elite athletes often exhibit distinct inflammatory responses and heightened airway sensitivity, influenced by sport type, training, and environment. Swimming and certain sports pose higher EIB risks, with chlorine exposure in pools being a notable factor. Immune responses, lung function changes, and individual variations contribute to EIB in athletes. Diagnosing EIB in athletes requires objective testing, as baseline lung function tests can yield normal results. Both EIB with asthma (EIBA) and without asthma (EIBwA) must be considered. Exercise and indirect bronchoprovocation tests provide reliable diagnoses. In athletes, exercise tests offer effectiveness in diagnosing EIB. Spirometry and bronchodilation tests are standard approaches, but the diagnostic emphasis is shifting toward provocation tests. Despite its challenges, achieving an optimal diagnosis of EIA constitutes the cornerstone for effective management, leading to improved performance, reduced risk of complications, and enhanced quality of life. The management of EIB in athletes aligns with the general principles for symptom control, prevention, and reducing complications. Non-pharmacological approaches, including trigger avoidance and warming up, are essential. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the cornerstone of asthma therapy in athletes. Short-acting beta agonists (SABA) are discouraged as sole treatments. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) and mast cell stabilizing agents (MCSA) are potential options. Optimal management improves the athletes' quality of life and allows them to pursue competitive sports effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josuel Ora
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia De Marco
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Gabriele
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Cazzola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Rogliani
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Hostrup M, Hansen ESH, Rasmussen SM, Jessen S, Backer V. Asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in athletes: Diagnosis, treatment, and anti-doping challenges. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14358. [PMID: 36965010 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Athletes often experience lower airway dysfunction, such as asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), which affects more than half the athletes in some sports, not least in endurance sports. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness, alongside airway narrowing, hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation. Early diagnosis and management are essential. Not only because untreated or poorly managed asthma and EIB potentially affects competition performance and training, but also because untreated airway inflammation can result in airway epithelial damage, remodeling, and fibrosis. Asthma and EIB do not hinder performance, as advancements in treatment strategies have made it possible for affected athletes to compete at the highest level. However, practitioners and athletes must ensure that the treatment complies with general guidelines and anti-doping regulations to prevent the risk of a doping sanction because of inadvertently exceeding specified dosing limits. In this review, we describe considerations and challenges in diagnosing and managing athletes with asthma and EIB. We also discuss challenges facing athletes with asthma and EIB, while also being subject to anti-doping regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Hostrup
- The August Krogh Section, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik S H Hansen
- Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren M Rasmussen
- Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Medical Department, Nykøbing Falster Hospital, Nykøbing Falster, Denmark
| | - Søren Jessen
- The August Krogh Section, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Backer
- Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bonini M, Cilluffo G, La Grutta S, Boccabella C, Usmani O, Viegi G, Palange P. Anti-muscarinic drugs as preventive treatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in children and adults. Respir Med 2020; 172:106128. [PMID: 32911137 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2020.106128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Regular physical activity is strongly recommended to prevent chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. On the other hand, vigorous physical training may trigger airway symptoms and bronchoconstriction. The transient airway narrowing occurring because of exercise is named exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Despite management according to guidelines, a significant proportion of patients experiences uncontrolled EIB, which thus represents a relevant unmet medical need. In particular, although prevention and treatment of EIB are effectively based on the use of beta-2 bronchodilator drugs, high heterogeneity in individual responses has been reported. Furthermore, even though beta-2 adrenergic drugs remain the mainstay of EIB management, occurrence of tolerance and side effects, as well as doping concerns have been reported with their use. In regard to this, inhaled antimuscarinics could represent an alternative or additional effective and safe bronchodilator therapeutic option for achieving optimal EIB control and minimize adverse events. The present systematic review aims to collect and provide the most updated and evidence-based literature findings on the efficacy and safety of short- and long-acting inhaled anti-muscarinic drugs for the preventive treatment of EIB in both children and adults. Take-Home Message: Anti-muscarinic drugs are effective and safe in preventing EIB, despite response variability is reported. Further studies should focus on long-acting molecules, chronic administration and phenotype-driven effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bonini
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Royal Brompton Hospital & Imperial College London, UK
| | - Giovanna Cilluffo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Stefania La Grutta
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Boccabella
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Omar Usmani
- National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Royal Brompton Hospital & Imperial College London, UK
| | - Giovanni Viegi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Palermo, Italy; Unità di Ricerca di Epidemiologia Ambientale Polmonare, Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Palange
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
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Bonini M, Palange P. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: new evidence in pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Asthma Res Pract 2015; 1:2. [PMID: 27965757 PMCID: PMC4970375 DOI: 10.1186/s40733-015-0004-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The acute airway narrowing that occurs as a result of exercise is defined exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Most recent guidelines recommend distinguishing EIB with underlying clinical asthma (EIBA) from the occurrence of bronchial obstruction in subjects without other symptoms and signs of asthma (EIBwA). EIB has been in fact reported in up to 90 % of asthmatic patients, reflecting the level of disease control, but it may develop even in subjects without clinical asthma, particularly in children, athletes, patients with atopy or rhinitis and following respiratory infections. Both EIBA and EIBwA have peculiar pathogenic mechanisms, diagnostic criteria and responses to treatment and prevention. The use of biomarkers, proteomic approaches and innovative technological procedures will hopefully contribute to better define peculiar phenotypes and to clarify the role of EIB as risk factor for the development of asthma, as well as an occupational disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bonini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale dell'Universita', 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Palange
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale dell'Universita', 37, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Soler X, Ramsdell J. Anticholinergics/antimuscarinic drugs in asthma. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2014; 14:484. [PMID: 25283149 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-014-0484-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Anticholinergic alkaloids have been used for thousands of years for the relief of bronchoconstriction and other respiratory symptoms, and their use in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is well established. Acetylcholine, acting through muscarinic receptor (M) receptor, modulates multiple physiologic functions pertinent to asthma including airway muscle tone, mucus gland secretion, and various parameters of inflammation and remodeling. In addition, activation of M receptors may inhibit beta2 adrenoreceptor. These observations offer the rationale for the use of M receptors antagonists in the treatment of asthma. Short-acting antimuscarinic agents may be effective alone or in combination with short-acting beta agonists for the relief of acute symptoms. Long-acting antimuscarinic agents have emerged as potentially useful in the long-term treatment of difficult-to-control asthma. This review will analyze the mechanisms of action and therapeutic role of antimuscarinic agents on asthma including current guidelines regarding antimuscarinic drugs, recent studies in asthma, special populations to consider, and possible predictors of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Soler
- Department of Medicine, University of California, 200 West Arbor Dr., San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
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Kippelen P, Anderson SD. Pathogenesis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2013; 33:299-312, vii. [PMID: 23830126 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This article presents the various potential mechanisms responsible for the development of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Although the etiology of EIB is multifactorial, and the physiologic processes involved may vary between individuals (especially between those with and without asthma), drying of the small airways with an associated inflammatory response seems prerequisite for EIB. Dysregulated repair processes following exercise-induced airway epithelial injury may also serve as basis for EIB development/progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Kippelen
- Centre for Sports Medicine & Human Performance, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK.
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