Prevalence of Asthma among Norwegian Elite Athletes

Abstract

Objective. Asthma is a common problem among elite athletes and represents a health risk interfering with the athlete’s performance status. This study aimed to evaluate the asthma prevalence among Norwegian summer and winter elite athletes and asthma prevalence across sport categories. We also aimed to examine whether bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), lung function, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), and allergy status differed between asthmatic and non-asthmatic elite athletes. Methods. Norwegian athletes qualifying for the Beijing Olympic Summer Games 2008 (n = 80) and the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games 2010 (n = 55) were included. The athletes underwent clinical respiratory examination including lung function measurement, methacholine bronchial challenge for assessment of BHR, FENO, and skin prick testing. Asthma was diagnosed based on respiratory symptoms and clinical examination including objective measurements. Results. Asthma was more prevalent among winter athletes (50%) than summer athletes (20%). Thirty-three (52%) endurance athletes, 3 (6%) team sport athletes, and 7 (33%) technical sport athletes had medically diagnosed asthma. Significantly lower lung function ( p < 0.001 ) and higher prevalence of severe BHR ( p < 0.001 ) were found in asthmatic athletes compared with non-asthmatic athletes. Conclusion. Asthma is common among Norwegian elite athletes, with winter and endurance athletes showing the highest prevalence. Asthmatic athletes were characterized by lower lung function and more severe BHR compared with non-asthmatic counterparts. The high prevalence among winter and endurance athletes demonstrates a need for increased attention to prevent and reduce the prevalence of asthma among those athletes.

Beyond bronchodilation: Illuminating the performance benefits of inhaled beta2‐agonists in sports

“…[1][2][3][4] More than half the athletes in some endurance sports, such as swimming and cross-country skiing, report a variable degree of asthma and EIB. 3,[5][6][7][8] Given the widespread use of inhaled beta 2 -agonists and the fact that systemically administered beta 2 -agonists exert performance enhancing and anabolic effects, this has raised concerns as to whether inhaled beta 2 -agonists exhibit a similar performance-enhancing potential. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] The topic sparked considerable attention in light of anti-doping inquiries involving the use of a short-acting beta 2 -agonist (SABA), salbutamol, by a four-time Tour de France winner 16 and a Tour de Ski winner, 17 prompting the director of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to hint that the regulations had been too lenient.…”

“…Athletes commonly use inhaled beta 2 ‐agonists to relieve airway narrowing and hyperresponsiveness (AHR) associated with asthma and exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) 1–4 . More than half the athletes in some endurance sports, such as swimming and cross‐country skiing, report a variable degree of asthma and EIB 3,5–8 . Given the widespread use of inhaled beta 2 ‐agonists and the fact that systemically administered beta 2 ‐agonists exert performance enhancing and anabolic effects, this has raised concerns as to whether inhaled beta 2 ‐agonists exhibit a similar performance‐enhancing potential 9–15 .…”

Exercise-Induced Asthma: Managing Respiratory Issues in Athletes

“…Among these conditions, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) has been a subject of significant variability in reported prevalence, ranging from 20% to 70% in specific sports [ 3 ]. The prevalence of asthma, EIB, and allergic, and non-allergic bronchitis is notably higher in athletes, and it can be influenced by factors such as the type of sport, training environment, and genetics [ 4 , 5 ]. In fact, asthma is estimated to affect 15–30% of Olympic athletes and a majority of athletes in certain sports, particularly those engaged in endurance events, such as swimming, long-distance running, and cycling [ 4 , 5 ].…”

Asthma and exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in athletes: Diagnosis, treatment, and anti‐doping challenges

“…Athletes often struggle with lower airway dysfunction, such as asthma and exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) 1 . Asthma affects around 15–30% of Olympic athletes and upwards of half the athletes in some sports 2,3 . This is even more so for EIB with reports as high as 80% in endurance sports 1,4,5 .…”

“…1 Asthma affects around 15-30% of Olympic athletes and upwards of half the athletes in some sports. 2,3 This is even more so for EIB with reports as high as 80% in endurance sports. 1,4,5 Aside from symptoms in the small airways (e.g., chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness), 6,7 airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a key feature of asthma and EIB and is characterized by airway narrowing after exposure to physical, thermal, or chemical stress.…”