RESUMEN
Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is a condition characterized by temporary narrowing or closure of the larynx during physical activity, in particular during intense physical exertion. It generally affects teenagers and young adults and is often misdiagnosed as exercise-induced asthma. Symptoms include dyspnea, wheezing and a feeling of throat tightness during exercise. The aim of this article is to review this often underrecognized condition, its diagnosis and its management.
L'obstruction laryngée induite à l'effort (EILO) est une affection caractérisée par le rétrécissement ou la fermeture temporaire du larynx au cours d'une activité physique, en particulier lors d'un effort physique intense. Elle touche généralement les adolescents et les jeunes adultes et est souvent diagnostiquée à tort comme de l'asthme d'effort. Les symptômes comprennent une dyspnée, une respiration sifflante et une sensation d'oppression au niveau de la gorge pendant l'exercice. Cet article passe en revue cette pathologie souvent méconnue, son diagnostic et sa prise en charge.
Asunto(s)
Asma Inducida por Ejercicio , Laringe , Adolescente , Adulto Joven , Humanos , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/diagnóstico , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Disnea/diagnóstico , Disnea/etiología , Disnea/terapia , Emociones , Ejercicio FísicoRESUMEN
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is the most common chronic disease among elite athletes and when left untreated, can impact both respiratory health and sports performance. In recent years, there has been an increase in the awareness and detection of EIB in elite athletes. This narrative review aims to evaluate the risk, prevention, diagnosis, medication, and anti-doping policies of EIB in elite athletes, and to provide more references for athletes with EIB. The results showed that athletes of endurance, winter, and water sports generally have a higher prevalence of EIB than athletes of other sports. Adaptive warm-up before formal exercise and using heat exchange masks at low temperatures are effective ways for athletes to prevent EIB. For physicians, the exercise challenge test and eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea are the recommended diagnostic methods for EIB in athletes. The treatment of athletes with EIB is medication-based, such as inhaled corticosteroids and beta-2 agonists, but current anti-doping policies should be considered when used.
Asunto(s)
Asma Inducida por Ejercicio , Rendimiento Atlético , Humanos , Broncoconstricción , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/diagnóstico , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/epidemiología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Atletas , Pruebas de Provocación BronquialRESUMEN
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, otherwise known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction with asthma or without asthma, is an acute airway narrowing that occurs as a result of exercise and can occur in patients with asthma. A panel of members from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Sports, Exercise, & Fitness Committee reviewed the diagnosis and management of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in athletes of all skill levels including recreational athletes, high school and college athletes, and professional athletes. A special emphasis was placed on the recommendations and regulations set forth by professional athletic organizations after a detailed review of their collective bargaining agreements, substance abuse policies, antidoping program manuals, and the World Anti-Doping Agency antidoping code. The recommendations in this review are based on currently available evidence in addition to providing guidance for athletes of all skill levels as well as their treating physicians to better understand which pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical management options are appropriate as well as which medications are permitted or prohibited, and the proper documentation required to remain compliant.
Asunto(s)
Asma Inducida por Ejercicio , Asma , Deportes , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/diagnóstico , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Atletas , Broncoconstricción , HumanosRESUMEN
Asthma is the most common chronic condition during childhood and adolescence, affecting an estimated 8% of children and youngsters below 18 years in the United States and the United Kingdom. In adolescent athletes, asthma-like symptoms may represent a common consequence of regular sport practice. Asthma in young athletes poses several challenges, including the ambiguity of definitions and diagnosis of asthma resulting from exercise-induced symptoms, the best pharmacological treatments, and the nonpharmacological options for the management of disease and the challenges inherent to this age group. At a time when the regular practice of sports is increasingly being recommended for a healthy living, the support network around the young athletes is crucial to reduce the impact of asthma on their physical and emotional well-being. In this review, we examine the main issues around the definitions and clinical differentiations of asthma in young sport athletes. We discuss best practice approaches to improve the adherence to the clinical management, including nonpharmacological strategies directed at the family and trainers of athlete adolescents.
Asunto(s)
Asma Inducida por Ejercicio , Asma , Adolescente , Asma/diagnóstico , Asma/epidemiología , Asma/terapia , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/diagnóstico , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/epidemiología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Atletas , Niño , Humanos , Instituciones Académicas , Reino Unido , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: We aim to examine the characteristics of the symptoms induced by exercise provocation tests following allergen consumption in patients who have undergone oral immunotherapy (OIT). METHOD: Patients who were positive for exercise provocation tests in Miyagi Children's Hospital from April 2012 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into food-dependent exerciseinduced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) group and post-OIT-FDEIA group. RESULT: Six patients in the FDEIA group and 19 patients in the post-OIT-FDEIA group were analyzed. There were no significant differences in age, sex, and number of complications between the FDEIA and post-OIT-FDEIA groups, except for level of total serum immunoglobulin E. The median time from the start of exercise to onset of symptoms was 20 min in the FDEIA group and 25 min in the post-OIT-FDEIA group. The rate of adrenaline administration in post-OIT-FDEIA group was significantly lower. The median time from exercise to onset of severe symptoms requiring adrenaline was 32.5 min in the FDEIA group and 25 min in the post-OIT-FDEIA group. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that FDEIA and post-OIT-FDEIA patients can exhibit similar clinical symptoms, and all symptoms occurred in 60 minutes after exercise.
Asunto(s)
Anafilaxia/terapia , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Hipersensibilidad a los Alimentos/terapia , Inmunoterapia , Administración Oral , Alérgenos , Niño , Epinefrina/administración & dosificación , Humanos , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Diagnosing and treating elite and Olympic athletes with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction has been well established. However, a subset of elite and Olympic athletes with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction experience symptoms of breathlessness due to lack of adherence, improper medications, and/or generalized breathing dysfunction. A short review of traditional treatment plans for elite and Olympic athletes is presented along with the challenges of adherence, managing dysfunctional breathing, and measuring and treating mental skills deficits that may impact breathing. Elite and Olympic athletes may not respond to traditional treatment for exercise-induced bronchospasm, and we present some of the reasons why the athletes fail to respond. Furthermore, we present information on how to detect and treat elite and Olympic athletes with difficult-to-treat asthma. As part of this review we developed a flow diagram for medical providers to identify the reasons for lack of response to traditional treatment plans for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction with options for other treatment modalities.
Asunto(s)
Asma Inducida por Ejercicio , Asma , Deportes , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/diagnóstico , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Atletas , Broncoconstricción , HumanosRESUMEN
Asthma is a common disease in paediatrics and adults with a significant morbidity, mortality, and financial burden worldwide. Asthma is now recognized as a heterogeneous disease and emerging clinical and laboratory research has elucidated understanding of asthma's underlying immunology. The future of asthma is classifying asthma by endotype through connecting discernible characteristics with immunological mechanisms. This comprehensive review of the immunology of asthma details the currently known pathophysiology and clinical practice biomarkers in addition to forefront biologic and targeted therapies for all of the asthma endotypes. By understanding the immunology of asthma, practitioners will be able to diagnose patients by asthma endotype and provide personalized, biomarker-driven treatments to effectively control patients' asthma.
Asunto(s)
Asma/inmunología , Citocinas/inmunología , Leucotrienos/inmunología , Células TH1/inmunología , Células Th2/inmunología , Asma/clasificación , Asma/fisiopatología , Asma/terapia , Asma Inducida por Aspirina/inmunología , Asma Inducida por Aspirina/fisiopatología , Asma Inducida por Aspirina/terapia , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/inmunología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/fisiopatología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Productos Biológicos , Biomarcadores , Eosinofilia/inmunología , Eosinofilia/fisiopatología , Eosinofilia/terapia , Humanos , Aspergilosis Pulmonar Invasiva/inmunología , Aspergilosis Pulmonar Invasiva/fisiopatología , Aspergilosis Pulmonar Invasiva/terapia , Terapia Molecular Dirigida , Obesidad/inmunología , Obesidad/fisiopatología , Estrés Oxidativo/inmunología , Fenotipo , Hipersensibilidad Respiratoria/inmunología , Hipersensibilidad Respiratoria/fisiopatología , Hipersensibilidad Respiratoria/terapia , Ruidos RespiratoriosRESUMEN
EIB (Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction) describes the narrowing that accurs in the airway follow a short period of exercise. EIB is found in 8-10% of normal children population as occult bronchospasm during or after physical activities. The mecanisms of EIB are related to rapid ventilation and mouth brathing which cause beat and water loss during breathing leading to bronchoconstriction. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) measured pre and post-exercise in students aged 12-16 years in girl intrmediate school. Any female shows PEFR values reduction 15% after 6 minutes continuous free running considered as asthmatic patient, this give an incidence rate of asthmatic patient of 9% in female students in this age. Treatment of EIB, Zafirlukast treatment gives (85.7%) protection rate. While salbutamol inhalation gives a protection rate 88%. Only 66.6% of girls with EIB give an improvement in PEFR values after sodium cromoglycate treatment. A regular measurement of PEFR in school students appears to be a good indicator of EIB, while inhalation of salbutaol 15 minutes before exercise give a good protection against EIB attacks at least for 4 hours (AU)
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Femenino , Adolescente , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Terapéutica , Cromolin Sódico/uso terapéutico , Antagonistas de Leucotrieno/uso terapéutico , Albuterol/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adults in developed countries around the world. Despite international treatment guidelines, poor asthma control remains a frequent problem leading to missed school and work, and emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Many patients with asthma report exercise as a trigger for their asthma, which likely leads to exercise avoidance as a means to control symptoms. Evolving research has suggested that routine exercise may actually help improve some aspects of asthma control. This review discusses the recent research addressing how routine exercise affects important asthma-related outcomes including symptoms, lung function and quality of life. RECENT FINDINGS: Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted in recent years, which strongly support the safety of routine exercise in children and adults with asthma. Exercise appears to favor improvements in aerobic fitness, asthma symptoms and quality of life, but results so far are less consistent in demonstrating improvements to lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness. SUMMARY: In addition to routine management guidelines, clinicians should recommend for their patients with asthma routine exercise for its general health benefits and likely improvement in asthma symptoms and quality of life.
Asunto(s)
Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/fisiopatología , Terapia por Ejercicio/métodos , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Pulmón/fisiología , Adulto , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Niño , Humanos , Guías de Práctica Clínica como Asunto , Calidad de VidaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Asthma is characterized by hyperresponsiveness of the airways, and exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is a symptom that limits a large proportion of asthmatic patients, especially children. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) leads to a reduction in the reactivity of the airways. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of outpatient treatment with CPAP and bilevel pressure combined with respiratory physical therapy for children and adolescents with asthma following bronchial hyperresponsiveness caused by an exercise bronchoprovocation test. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, blind, clinical trial was conducted involving 68 asthmatic children and adolescents aged 4 to 16 years divided into three groups: G1, treated with bilevel pressure (inspiratory positive airway pressure: 12 cm H2O; expiratory positive airway pressure: 8 cm H2O), G2, treated with CPAP (8 cm H2O) and G3, treated with respiratory muscle training (RMT), considered as the control group. All groups were treated at an outpatient clinic and submitted to 10 1-hour sessions, each of which also included respiratory exercises. Evaluations were performed before and after treatment and involved spirometry, an exercise bronchoprovocation test, respiratory pressures, fraction of nitric oxide (FeNO), the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ6) and anthropometric variables. This study received approval from the local ethics committee (certificate number: 1487225/2016) and is registered with ClinicalTrials [ ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02939625]. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients concluded the protocol; the mean age of the patients was 10 years. All were in the ideal weight range and had adequate height ( z score: -2 to +2). The three groups demonstrated improved asthma control after the treatments, going from partial to complete control. A significant increase in maximal inspiratory pressure occurred in the three groups, with the greatest increase in the RMT group. A reduction in FeNO in the order of 17.4 parts per billion (effect size: 2.43) and a reduction in bronchial responsiveness on the exercise bronchoprovocation test occurred in the bilevel group. An improvement in FeNO on the order of 15.7 parts per billion (effect size: 2.46) and a reduction in bronchial responsiveness occurred in the CPAP group. No changes in lung function or responsiveness occurred in the RMT group. CONCLUSION: Positive pressure and respiratory exercises were effective in reducing pulmonary inflammation, exercise-innduced bronchoespasm (EIB), and increased the clinical control of asthma, as well as RMT, which also resulted in improved clinical control.
Asunto(s)
Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Ejercicios Respiratorios , Espasmo Bronquial/terapia , Broncoconstricción , Presión de las Vías Aéreas Positiva Contínua , Pulmón/fisiopatología , Ventilación no Invasiva , Neumonía/terapia , Terapia Respiratoria/métodos , Adolescente , Factores de Edad , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/diagnóstico , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/fisiopatología , Brasil , Ejercicios Respiratorios/efectos adversos , Espasmo Bronquial/diagnóstico , Espasmo Bronquial/fisiopatología , Niño , Preescolar , Terapia Combinada , Presión de las Vías Aéreas Positiva Contínua/efectos adversos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Ventilación no Invasiva/efectos adversos , Neumonía/diagnóstico , Neumonía/fisiopatología , Terapia Respiratoria/efectos adversos , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Exercise is increasingly viewed as a preventative and therapeutic modality for medical and behavioral health disorders. Therefore, it is imperative that the medical and scientific communities minimize barriers that discourage exercise. This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America details a "total airway approach" to the evaluation of exertional respiratory problems. Reviews guide clinicians through evaluation and therapy. Moving forward, there is much room for growth with respect to research in each of these areas as well as for common inflammatory pathways and neurophysiologic coupling across all airway segments.
Asunto(s)
Obstrucción de las Vías Aéreas/etiología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/etiología , Disnea/etiología , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Sistema Respiratorio/fisiopatología , Obstrucción de las Vías Aéreas/fisiopatología , Obstrucción de las Vías Aéreas/terapia , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/fisiopatología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Disnea/fisiopatología , Disnea/terapia , HumanosAsunto(s)
Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/inmunología , Atletas , Espasmo Bronquial/inmunología , Disnea/inmunología , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/fisiopatología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Espasmo Bronquial/fisiopatología , Espasmo Bronquial/terapia , Disnea/fisiopatología , Disnea/terapia , Humanos , Sistema Respiratorio/inmunología , Sistema Respiratorio/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
Exercise-induced dyspnea is a common pediatric question but difficult to address since usually symptoms are described ambiguously by the child or parents. Most of times dyspnea is secondary to poor training but sometimes may be due to an underlying condition like exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or vocal cord dysfunction. To provide clinicians with a practical approach about exercise-induced dyspnea we have review pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of respiratory diseases and proposed an algorithm for study.
Frecuentemente nos vemos enfrentados a evaluar un niño con síntomas vagos asociados al ejercicio que el mismo paciente o sus padres describen como ahogo o sensación de pecho apretado. La mayoría de las veces se trata de cansancio atribuible al ejercicio normal que solo refleja pobre condicionamiento físico del individuo; sin embargo, este cansancio puede ser desproporcionado al esfuerzo, lo que obliga a considerar enfermedades comunes como asma o poco comunes como disfunción de cuerdas vocales. El objetivo de esta revisión es actualizar el conocimiento aquellas enfermedades respiratorias que forman parte del diagnóstico diferencial de la disnea asociada al ejercicio y proponer un algoritmo de estudio que permita un acercamiento práctico según causas de origen.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Niño , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/fisiopatología , Obstrucción de las Vías Aéreas/fisiopatología , Disnea/fisiopatología , Disfunción de los Pliegues Vocales/fisiopatología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/diagnóstico , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Obstrucción de las Vías Aéreas/diagnóstico , Obstrucción de las Vías Aéreas/terapia , Disnea/diagnóstico , Disnea/terapia , Disfunción de los Pliegues Vocales/diagnóstico , Disfunción de los Pliegues Vocales/terapiaRESUMEN
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, associated or not with asthma, describes a transient limitation of airflow in the airways occurring during or after physical activity, regardless of age or training. Bronchoconstriction on exertion is principally induced by thermal and fluid losses of the bronchial mucosa by hyperventilation of large air volumes. Respiratory symptoms are variable and not specific. Among bronchial provocation test, eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation owns the best sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Therapeutic management consists in an adjustment of the environment and training, as well as bronchodilators.
La bronchoconstriction induite par l'effort, associée ou non à un asthme, décrit une limitation transitoire des débits d'air dans les voies aériennes survenant au cours ou au décours d'une activité physique, quels que soient l'âge ou le niveau d'entraînement. Des pertes thermiques et hydriques au niveau de la muqueuse bronchique par l'hyperventilation de grands volumes d'air jouent un rôle prépondérant dans la genèse d'une bronchoconstriction à l'effort. La symptomatologie respiratoire est variable et peu spécifique. Parmi les tests de provocation bronchique, l'hyperventilation eucapnique présente les meilleures sensibilité et spécificité dans le diagnostic d'une bronchoconstriction induite par l'effort. La prise en charge thérapeutique consiste en une adaptation de l'environnement et de l'entraînement, ainsi que des bronchodilatateurs.
Asunto(s)
Asma Inducida por Ejercicio , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/diagnóstico , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Pruebas de Provocación Bronquial , Broncoconstricción , HumanosRESUMEN
The first practice parameter on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) was published in 2010. This updated practice parameter was prepared 5 years later. In the ensuing years, there has been increased understanding of the pathogenesis of EIB and improved diagnosis of this disorder by using objective testing. At the time of this publication, observations included the following: dry powder mannitol for inhalation as a bronchial provocation test is FDA approved however not currently available in the United States; if baseline pulmonary function test results are normal to near normal (before and after bronchodilator) in a person with suspected EIB, then further testing should be performed by using standardized exercise challenge or eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH); and the efficacy of nonpharmaceutical interventions (omega-3 fatty acids) has been challenged. The workgroup preparing this practice parameter updated contemporary practice guidelines based on a current systematic literature review. The group obtained supplementary literature and consensus expert opinions when the published literature was insufficient. A search of the medical literature on PubMed was conducted, and search terms included pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and therapy (both pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical) of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or exercise-induced asthma (which is no longer a preferred term); asthma; and exercise and asthma. References assessed as relevant to the topic were evaluated to search for additional relevant references. Published clinical studies were appraised by category of evidence and used to document the strength of the recommendation. The parameter was then evaluated by Joint Task Force reviewers and then by reviewers assigned by the parent organizations, as well as the general membership. Based on this process, the parameter can be characterized as an evidence- and consensus-based document.
Asunto(s)
Asma Inducida por Ejercicio , Broncoconstricción , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/diagnóstico , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/epidemiología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/fisiopatología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , HumanosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is more common in athletes compared to the general population. The eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation test is used to detect EIB in adult athletes. It is however unclear whether this technique is also applicable to young athletes. METHODS: Young athletes (basketball (n = 13), football (n = 19), swimming (n = 12)) were recruited at the start of their elite sports career (12-14 years). Eight age-matched controls were also recruited. Eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation test was performed according to ATS guidelines in all subjects. A second (after 1 year, n = 32) and third (after 2 years, n = 39) measurement was performed in a subgroup of athletes and controls. RESULTS: At time of first evaluation, 3/13 basketball players, 4/19 football players, 5/11 swimmers and 1/8 controls met criteria for EIB (fall in FEV1≥10% after EVH). A ventilation rate of >85% of the maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) is recommended by current guidelines (for adults) but was only achieved by a low number of individuals (first occasion: 27%, third occasion: 45%) However, MVV in young athletes corresponds to 30 times FEV1, which is equivalent to 85% of MVV in adults. A threshold of 70% of MVV (21 times FEV1) is feasible in the majority of young athletes. CONCLUSION: EIB is present in a substantial number of individuals at the age of 12-14 years, especially in swimmers. This underscores the importance of screening for EIB at this age. EVH is feasible in young elite athletes, however target ventilation needs to be adjusted accordingly.
Asunto(s)
Atletas , Estudios de Factibilidad , Hiperventilación , Ventilación Voluntaria Máxima/fisiología , Adolescente , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/diagnóstico , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/fisiopatología , Asma Inducida por Ejercicio/terapia , Broncoconstricción/fisiología , Niño , Prueba de Esfuerzo , Femenino , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado/fisiología , Guías como Asunto , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
Upper respiratory illness is the most common reason for non-injury-related presentation to a sports medicine clinic, accounting for 35-65% of illness presentations. Recurrent or persistent respiratory illness can have a negative impact on health and performance of athletes undertaking high levels of strenuous exercise. The cause of upper respiratory symptoms (URS) in athletes can be uncertain but the majority of cases are related to common respiratory viruses, viral reactivation, allergic responses to aeroallergens and exercise-related trauma to the integrity of respiratory epithelial membranes. Bacterial respiratory infections are uncommon in athletes. Undiagnosed or inappropriately treated asthma and/or allergy are common findings in clinical assessments of elite athletes experiencing recurrent URS. High-performance athletes with recurrent episodes of URS should undergo a thorough clinical assessment to exclude underlying treatable conditions of respiratory inflammation. Identifying athletes at risk of recurrent URS is important in order to prescribe preventative clinical, training and lifestyle strategies. Monitoring secretion rates and falling concentrations of salivary IgA can identify athletes at risk of URS. Therapeutic interventions are limited by the uncertainty of the underlying cause of inflammation. Topical anti-inflammatory sprays can be beneficial for some athletes. Dietary supplementation with bovine colostrum, probiotics and selected antioxidants can reduce the incidence or severity of URS in some athletes. Preliminary studies on athletes prone to URS indicate a genetic predisposition to a pro-inflammatory response and a dysregulated anti-inflammatory cytokine response to intense exercise as a possible mechanism of respiratory inflammation. This review focuses on respiratory infections and inflammation in elite/professional athletes.