An Update on Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction with and Without Asthma

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is defined as transient, reversible bronchoconstriction that develops after strenuous exercise. It is a heterogeneous syndrome made up of a spectrum of phenotypes ranging from the asymptomatic military recruit whose condition is detected by diagnostic exercise challenge to the athlete with known asthma to the elite athlete for whom EIB represents an overuse or injury syndrome. If exercise is the only identified trigger for bronchoconstriction, it is called EIB. However, when it is associated with known asthma, then it is defined as EIB with asthma. This review discusses the pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, and management of EIB and EIB with asthma.