Breathing Difficulties -- A Problem Among Adolescent Athletes

Abstract

Adolescent athletes are a particular group requiring special medical attention. Recent literature outlines the growing problem of physical inactivity among young people, exploring various dimensions that may explain lack of physical activity, and potentially relevant interventions and strategies. There is growing evidence that physical inactivity predisposes to the development of asthma. Exercise is one of the most common factors triggering cough, dyspnea, and breathing difficulties in otherwise healthy children. This condition is called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Symptoms of EIB include cough, wheezes, chest tightness, and dyspnea during or after physical education lessons. The number of adolescents suffering from EIB is underestimated and many athletes remain undiagnosed and untreated. In this article we argue that complexity of diagnosing EIB is greater for adolescent athletes than it is for adults. The purpose of this review is to draw the attention of the medical community to the problem of EIB and asthma symptoms among adolescent athletes. We performed a meta-analysis of these two topics, consulting PubMed and ClinicalKey for the terms: "adolescent athletes", "exercise-induced bronchoconstriction" and "asthma in adolescent athletes". After analysis of the relevant scientific data, the most important facts and issues related to the study group were listed.