Pharmacologic Strategies for Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm with a Focus on Athletes

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2018 May;38(2):231-243. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2018.01.011.

Abstract

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is the transient narrowing of the airways during and after exercise that occurs in response to increased ventilation in susceptible individuals. It occurs across the age spectrum in patients with underlying asthma and can occur in athletes without baseline asthma. The inflammatory mechanisms underlying EIB in patients without asthma may be distinct from those underlying EIB in patients with asthma. This review summarizes mechanistic and clinical data that can guide the choice of chronic and acute pharmacologic therapies targeting control of EIB. Relevant regulations from the World Anti-Doping Agency are also discussed.

Keywords: Asthma; Doping; EIB; Exercise; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / pharmacology*
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced / drug therapy*
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced / immunology
  • Asthma, Exercise-Induced / physiopathology
  • Athletes*
  • Doping in Sports / prevention & control
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances / pharmacology
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances / therapeutic use
  • Respiratory System / drug effects*
  • Respiratory System / immunology
  • Respiratory System / physiopathology

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances