A Study To Assess The Prevalence Of Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction In Inter-County Hurling

Ir Med J. 2017 Dec 18;110(10):655.

Abstract

Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) is an acute, transient airway narrowing occurring after exercise which may impact athletic performance. Studies report 10% of the general population and up to 90% of asthmatics experience EIB. Ninety-two players from three elite hurling squads underwent a spirometric field-based provocation test with real-time heart rate monitoring and lactate measurements to ensure adequate exertion. Players with a new diagnosis of EIB and those with a negative field-test but with a previous label of EIB or asthma underwent further reversibility testing and if negative, methacholine challenge. Eight (8.7%) of players had EIB, with one further athlete having asthma with a negative field test. Interestingly, only three out of 12 players who had previously been physician-labelled with EIB or asthma had their diagnosis objectively confirmed. Our study highlights the role of objective testing in EIB.

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / complications*
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced / complications
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced / diagnosis
  • Athletic Performance*
  • Bronchial Diseases / diagnosis
  • Bronchial Diseases / epidemiology
  • Bronchial Diseases / etiology*
  • Bronchial Provocation Tests
  • Constriction, Pathologic / epidemiology
  • Constriction, Pathologic / etiology
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Sports*