Air quality and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in elite athletes

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2013 Aug;33(3):409-21, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2013.02.009. Epub 2013 Mar 27.

Abstract

A higher prevalence of airway hyperresponsiveness, airway remodeling, and asthma has been identified among athletes who compete and train in environmental conditions of cold dry air and/or high air pollution. Repeated long-duration exposure to cold/dry air at high minute ventilation rates can cause airway damage. Competition or training at venues close to busy roadways, or in indoor ice arenas or chlorinated swimming pools, harbors a risk for acute and chronic airway disorders from high pollutant exposure. This article discusses the effects of these harsh environments on the airways, and summarizes potential mechanisms and prevalence of airway disorders in elite athletes.

Keywords: Air pollution; Airway damage; Asthma; Athlete; Breathing; Cold air; Dry air; Exercise.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Air / standards*
  • Air Pollution / adverse effects
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced / epidemiology
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced / etiology*
  • Athletes*
  • Cold Temperature
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Seasons