Role of Airway Hyperresponsiveness on Performance in Elite Swimmers.
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2013-05-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The prevalence of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is very high in elite swimmers, reaching
80% in certain studies. Repeated Chlorine-derivatives exposure may be a major causative
factor for its development. Asthma diagnosis is generally made on the basis of clinical
characteristics. The demonstration of a variable bronchial obstruction through positive
expiratory flow reversibility to a bronchodilator, spontaneous variations of airway
obstruction or a positive provocation test (methacholine, eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea…) is
necessary to avoid false diagnosis. Currently asthma treatment in swimmers is the same as in
the general population. A short-acting bronchodilator is often prescribed to avoid occasional
symptoms, combined with an inhaled corticosteroid or an antagonist of Leukotriene if asthma
symptoms are persistent. Previous studies have shown a reduced efficiency for asthma
medication in elite athletes compared with non-athletes. The specific response to different
medications remains to be studied in athletes. The effects of a short-acting bronchodilator
in swimmers with AHR, especially when asymptomatic, on pulmonary function and performance
have not yet been studied. Moreover, the significance of a positive bronchial provocation
test remains to be studied in asymptomatic swimmers with AHR.