GA2LEN centres will be following athletes selected for
the Olympic Games 2008 to assess the prevalence and diagnosis
rates of asthma and allergies among top athletes in summer
sports.
This study is the first pan-European study on allergy
and asthma in athletes, designed as part of GA2LEN joint
research activities on sports and allergic diseases.
It was initiated in Norway on request of the National
Olympic Committee, to follow athletes and provide optimal
care if needed. The scientists were also interested in
learning more about the effect of air quality and pollution
on the athletes.
Objective & Expected Outcome
The scientists are looking to substantiate a number of
information, including
- Specify the prevalence of asthma, exercise induced asthma
and other allergic diseases among European athletes qualified
for the Beijing Olympics
- Assess the impact of environmental pollution on asthma
symptoms and lung function, identify athletes who may develop
symptoms
Sport, asthma and allergic diseases
It is suspected that physical activity may trigger symptoms
both in allergic athletes and in non-professional exercisers.
In endurance sports, higher levels of asthma may be due
to the prolonged periods with highly increased ventilation
and the duration of high level physical activity performed.
The highly increased ventilation of endurance top athletes
is adequate and in relationship to the demands of their
exercising body. This is different to the hyperventilation
asthma patients can experience: an increase ventilation
out of relationship to the demand.
Different types of sport and prevalence
Up to 20 percent of summer sports athletes have asthma.
Endurance sports in particular such as runners, swimmers,
and cyclists have been reported to have a higher prevalence.
Background document on the Ga2len Olympic Study
http://www.ga2len.net
