Many Olympic athletes suffer from exercise-induced asthma

MILWAUKEE-This February, many athletes with exercise-induced asthma (EIA) will compete at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino. EIA affects as many as 20% of highly competitive athletes and one in every six Olympic athletes, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

EIA is caused by airways that are overly sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, especially when breathing colder, drier air in the winter months. During strenuous activity, people tend to breathe through their mouths, allowing this cold, dry air to reach to reach the lower airways without passing through the warming, humidifying effects of the nose.

People with EIA experience difficulty breathing within 5-20 minutes after exercising. Symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Prolonged or unexpected shortness of breath

"People who have EIA should not stop exercising," said Timothy J. Craig, DO, FAAAAI and Chair of the AAAAI's Sports Medicine Committee. "Exercise is good for all people, including those with asthma. Certain activities are better for people suffering from EIA, although the type and duration of activities varies with each individual."

Sports that require short bursts of energy, such as baseball, football, wrestling, golfing, gymnastics, short-term track and field events or surfing are less likely to trigger EIA.

Swimming also has many positive factors for those with EIA. The warm, humid atmosphere, year-round availability, toning of upper body muscles, and the horizontal position can help mobilize mucus from the bottom of the lungs. Walking, leisure biking, hiking, and free downhill skiing are also less likely to trigger EIA. Wearing a scarf of surgical mask in cold weather can also decrease symptoms by warming the inhaled air.

Athletes of all levels need to remember to take proper precautions if they have EIA. Exercise is beneficial to both physical health and emotional well-being. All people with EIA should be able to exercise to their full ability with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with EIA, talk to your allergist/immunologist about a personalized management plan for your EIA and begin exercising again. Many asthmatics have found that with proper medical treatment, they are able to reduce the symptoms of EIA.

To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to learn more about allergies and asthma, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information Line at (800) 822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at www.aaaai.org.

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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