Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction in Athletes

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) describes airway narrowing that occurs in association with exercise. EIB occurs in up to 90% of asthmatic patients and is estimated to occur in > 10% of the general population. Recent reviews have identified asthma as a risk factor for sudden death and have reported many deaths that have been attributed directly to EIB. We present a review of the literature related to EIB in athletes including sections discussing its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, and which athletes are most at risk for experiencing EIB.