Asthma deaths can occur during sports,
from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

(MILWAUKEE) - Sudden fatal asthma exacerbations occur in both competitive and recreational athletes, according to a new study featured in the February 2004 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI). The JACI is the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

Jack M. Becker, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, and colleagues reviewed 263 potential asthma-related deaths during sports from 1993 through 2000, and confirmed that asthma was the main cause of death in 61 of the cases.

The study found:

• Competitive athletes (those who played for either a professional team or one related to educational institution) had a higher incidence of sudden death from asthma, 57%, compared to those who competed recreationally, 43%.
• Fifty-one percent of the competitive athletes had their fatal event while participating in their organized sport.
• Basketball and track were the most frequent sports played at the time of the fatal event.

Researchers hope to raise the awareness of physicians, coaches, trainers, and parents that children and adults can have fatal asthma exacerbations during and immediately after participating in sports. However, they stress that the positive benefits from having a physically active lifestyle in people with asthma and other chronic diseases are much larger than the risks seen in this study. Extra care is needed to ensure that the athlete with asthma is receiving proper care and therapy.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information and a physician referral directory through its Web site at www.aaaai.org.

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